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FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

?f?3 


JAN  15  1934  * 


-\ 


SACRED 


POETICAL  PARAPHRASES, 


MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS, 


BY 


A/ 

REV.    J.   B.   STEELE. 


NEW   YORK: 
PUBLISHED    FOR    THE    AUTHOR, 

BY    HOSFORD    &.    KETCHAM, 

Nos.  51  and  59  William   Street. 
18  6  3. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S63,  by 

JOHN    B.    STEELE, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern 
District  of   New  York. 


HOSFORD    &    KETCH  AM, 
STATIONERS    AND    PRINTERS, 
57  and  59  William  St.,  N.  Y. 


CONTENTS 


0 


pack 

Pastor's  Retrospect 7 

Ruth 11 

Xaomi's  Lament 24 

The  Song  of  the  Gleaner 31 

Evening  Hymn  of  Naomi  and  Ruth 36 

Esther .' 48 

Jacob 82 

Isaac  and  Rebecca 113 

Elijah 135 

Hannah 176 

Hannah's  Song 185 

Calling  of  Samuel 189 

David  and  Goliath 193 

Jonah 205 

Jonah's  Prayer 210 

O 

PSALMS. 
David's  Harp 219 

I.     The  Righteous  and  the  Wicked 221 

VIII.     The  First  and  Second  Adam 2-22 

XIX.     The  God  of  Nature 224 

The  God  of  Grace 225 

XXIII.     David's  Confidence  in  God 227 

The  Shepherd  and  the  Flock ib. 

The  Divine  Shepherd 228 

(3) 


IV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

XXIV.  Ascending  with  Immanuel 229 

XXVII.  The  Supreme  Desire 231 

XXX.  Joy  Succeeding  Sorrow 232 

XLIII.  Hope  in  God 233 

XLV.  A  Song  of  Loves 235 

LV.  The  Afflicted  Soul's  Refuge 238 

LXVIII.  The  Plumage  of  the  Dove 239 

LXXII.  The  Peaceful  King 240 

LXXXVII.  The  Honored  Citizen  of  Zion 241 

C.  Universal  Praise 243 

CIII.  Gratitude  for  Restoration  to  Health 244 

CIV.  A  Present  God 245 

CXXI.  The  Traveler's  Song 246 

CXXII.  Union    in    Worship '. 248 

CXXXVII.  Judah  Captive 250 

CXXVI.  Judah  Free 251 

CXXVIII.  Who  are  the  Happy? 253 

CXXXI1L  Mutual  Love ...256 

CXXX.  Pardoning  Grace 257 

CXLVIII.  Creation's  Choristers .• 259 

O 

MISCELLANEOUS  SACPED  PARAPHRASES. 

Nature's  Beauties 261 

Paradise,  the  Abode  of  Innocence 263 

Banishment  from  Paradise.     The  Punishment  of  Disobedience.   264 

Heaven.     The  Home  of  Piety 265 

The  Deluge 266 

The  Spirit's  Home 267 

God's  Covenant  with  the  Earth 269 

The  Pillar  of  Cloud  and  of  Fire 271 

The  Egyptian  Army  Destroyed 272 

The  Manna 275 


COX  TEXTS.  V 

•  PAGK 

The  Smitten  Rock. 

Sinai  and  Calvary 27S 

The  Ark  of  the  Covenant ib. 

The  Star  out  of  Jacob 

Moses  on  Mount  Pisgah 285 

Justice  and  Mercy 

The  Prophet's  Widow 292 

The  Cure  of  Xaaman 294 

Divine  Protection 297 

The  Model  Wife 301 

The  Spouse  to  the  Heavenly  Husband 306 

The  Voice  of  Spring 808 

Coming  from  the  "Wilderness , 309 

Till  Shines  the  Star  in  Zious  Sky 310 

The  Beautiful  Saviour 312 

The  Jewels 315 

The  Brui-ed  Reed 317 

The  Morning  Star 318 

The  Heavenly  Bridegroom  to  the  Daughter  of  the  World. .....  320 

The  Emblematic  Heaveu 322 

Heaven 326 

0 

MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Hymn 

Invocation  to  Faith. 328 

The  Sea 330 

The  Sunbeam  of  Morning 331 

Oh  I  have  Wept 332 

We  may  Sport  in  the  Wildness  of  Feeling  awhile 333 

The  Seaman's  Starlight 334 

Thy  Heart  must  Bleed 335 

lives  in  Heaven ; 336 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Heirs  of  Heaven 837 

Autumn 339 

Stranger's  Burial 341 

The  Plucked  Rose .- 342 

Early  Disappointments 343 

Jesse,  the  Flower  of   Dunblane 345 

To  an  Absent  Friend 346 

A  Parody 347 

A  Canzonet ib. 

False  Appearances 348 

Beaming  and  Bright 349 

Death  in  Posy  May 351 

Loved  Ones  in  Heaven 353 

Children  Going  Home 354 

Lines  to  my  Daughter 358 

The  Rose 359 

My  Kind  Friend 360 

Mary  in  Tears 361 

The  Rainbow 362 

The  "Wings  of  Time 363 

Memory 364 

The  Sailor  Coming  Home 866 

Oakland  Female  Seminary 367 

The  Closing  Year 368 

Sunshine  and  Hope 370 

God.     For  the  first  page  of  a  Lady's  Album ib. 

Friendship,  Hope  and   Love.     Lady's  Album 372 

Mary 373 

Fifty  Years  Ago 374 

A  Patriotic  Ode 378 

The  Workmen's  Song  of  Sleep 380 

Harp  of  Zion 383 


THE 

PASTOR'S   RETROSPECT. 


I  've  stood  in  the  desk  for  forty  years, 

And  spake  of  the  gracious  plan 
Which  God  has  ordained  in  love  to  bless 

His  fallen  creature  man. 
And  when  I  have  looked  on  throngs  that  came 

"With  hope  and  with  trembling  fear, 
It  was  heaven  to  me  to  preach  the  word 

Which  was  heaven  for  them  to  hear. 

I  've  sat  in  the  room  for  forty  years, 
Where  Death  with  his  spear  was  nigh ; 

The  young  and  the  old,  the  vile  and  good, 
Were  there  by  his  spear  to  die. 

And  there.  I  have  lived  'mid  wrecks  of  life, 
Like  leaves  from  the  palm  tree  riven  ; 

'T  was  sweet  unto  me,  'mid  forms  of  death, 

To  speak  of  the  life  in  heaven. 

(T) 


I  've  walked  'mid  the  tombs  for  forty  years, 

Where  mourners  have  come  to  weep, 
And  lay  in  their  graves  the  white-robed  dead, 

To  take  their  peaceful  sleep. 
I  've  leaned  on  the  marbles,  and  softly  said 

To  hearts  that  were  bleeding  sore : 
"  You  will  see  them  again  in  glory  crowned, 

Where  the  graves  shall  be  no  more." 

I  've  sat  in  the  hall  for  forty  years, 

Where  friends  in  their  joyful  youth 
Have  come,  with  their  loving  hearts  to  pledge 

Their  holy  vows  of  truth. 
'Mid  bridegrooms  and  brides  I  've  tarried  long, 

Engaged  in  my  loved  employ  ; 
My  spirit  was  glad  to  speak  the  words 

Which  were  words  to  them  of  joy. 

I  've  stood  at  the  fount  for  forty  years, 

And  witnessed  the  parents'  vows, 
As  the  seal  of  their  covenant  God  was  placed 

Upon  their  offsprings'  brows. 
With  households  around  me  I  have  lived, 

And  'joyed  in  the  promises  given  : 
Thy  God,  and  thy  children's  God  I'll  be, 

And,  "Of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 


I  Ve  stood  at  the  board  for  forty  years, 

"Where  the  emblems  of  Christ  were  set ; 
The  saints  of  the  Lord,  a  cheerful  band, 

In  wedding  robes  were  met. 
I  gave  them  the  cup,  and  broken  bread ; 

~\Ve  ate  and  we  drank  in  love ; 
And  heaven  came  down  to  bless  our  souls. 

And  we  dwelt  with  God  above. 

My  work  I  have  loved  for  forty  years ; 

My  sun  is  now  going  down ; 
But  gems  I  have  gathered  along  the  way. 

To  crrace  the  Saviour's  crown. 
In  every  place  I've  had  my  home, 

And  every  place  was  dear ; 
'T  was  heaven  to  me  to  preach  the  Word 

Which  was  heaven  for  men  to  hear. 


RUTH 


A  PARAPHRASE  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  RUTH. 

The  Book  of  Ruth  is  a  sacred  gem  that  has  shone  most 
beautiful  iu  every  age  of  the  world.  It  has  interested  alike 
all  classes  of  society.  The  citizen  and  the  countryman,  the 
painter  and  the  poet,  the  moralist  and  the  Christian,  the 
occupant  of  the  palace  and  the  dweller  in  the  cottage,  have 
been  held  in  delightful  excitement  by  the v perusal  of  this 
inspired  narrative.  To  say  that  the  Book  of  Ruth  is  inter- 
esting, is  to  give  to  it  only  its  lowest  commendation.  It  is 
rich  with  instruction.  It  constitutes  an  important  link  in 
the  history  of  redemption.  It  unfolds  the  providence  of 
God,  in  the  way  of  correction,  with  an  affluent  and  pious, 
yet  erring  family  of  Bethlehem  Judah,  until  the  house  was 
brought  almost  to  desolation;  and  the  rebuilding  of  the 
house,  by  the  same  providence  of  God,  according  to  one  of 
the  Mosaical  institutions.  It  brings  before  us  the  happv 
union  of  the  Gentile  and  the  Hebrew,  the  progenitors  of  the 
royal  house  of  David,  and  the  long  line  of  Jewish  sovereigns 
to  the  birth  of  Messiah,  Israel's  everlasting  King.  Ruth  of 
Moab  became  the  wife  of  Boaz  of  Bethlehem,     Boaz  was 

(11) 


12  SACKED    PARAPHRASES. 

the  father  of  Obcd,  and  Obccl  was  the  father  of  Jesse,  and 
Jesse  was  the  father  of  David. 

Elimelech  is  known  in  the  paraphrase  by  the  first  part  of 
his  name,  Elim.  Naomi  signifies  the  pleasant  one.  Mara 
signifies  bitterness.  A  famine  which  prevailed  in  Canaan, 
and  especially  in  Bethlehem,  the  house  of  bread,  lies  at  the 
foundation  of  the  whole  story. 


In  days  when  judges  held  supreme  command 
O'er  tribes  of  Israel  in  the  promised  land, 
In  Bethlehem  Judah  passed  the  scenes  of  truth 
Which  God  has  written  in  the  Book  of  Ruth. 
*•  *  *  ■&  *  * 

The  promised  land,  the  land  of  herds  and  flocks, 
Of  waving  wheat,  and  honey  from  the  rocks  ; 
The  land  of  olives,  vineyards,  and  of  health, 
Where  honest  industry  is  crowned  with  wealth  ; 
The  chosen  land,  in  covenant  promise  blessed ; 
The  emblem  of  the  everlasting  rest ; 
That  garden  of  the  Lord  has  ceased  to  grant 
Her  stores  of  plenty  for  the  people's  want. 
The  famine  reigns  ;  th'  appointed,  trying  rod, 
To  wound  and  heal  the  chosen  sons  of  God. 
Oh  !  that  the  tribes  bad  kissed  the  chastening  hand, 
And  bowed  in  peace  to  Heaven's  supreme  command 
They  soon  bad  seen  their  valleys  covered  o'er, 
With  golden  sheaves,  a  rich,  abundant  store 


RUTH.  13 

And  flocks  and  herds  had  grazed  on  verdant  hills, 
And  vineyards  bloomed  and  poured  their  shining  rills ; 
And  Israel  soon  had  known,  that  God  had  spread 
Their  happy  board  with  rich  and  cheering  bread  ; 
And  crowned  witli  every  good  in  mercy  given, 
The  promised  land  had  been  the  type  of  heaven. 

But  long  did  Israel  nnrepenting  stand, 
And  long  the  famine  triumphed  o'er  the  land  ; 
And  many  a  noble  house  and  cottage  home 
The  stricken  sons  of  God  forsake,  and  roam 
In  distant  states,  and  seek  in  painful  toil 
Their  homely,  scanty  fare,  from  Gentile  soil. 

On  Bethlehem's  plains,  amid  embowering  wood, 
The  princely  house  of  noble  Elim  stood. 
His  ample  heritage  well  stocked  and  tilled, 
His*  gushing  presses,  and  his  granaries  filled, 
And  dwelling  stored  with  plenty,  all  proclaim 
That  Elim  foremost  stood  on  Bethlehem's  plain. 

But  better  far  than  houses,  flocks,  and  fields, 
And  gold,  and  gems,  and  all  that  nature  yields, 
That  gift  of  God,  the  pleasant,  virtuous  wife, 
To  share  the  joys,  and  sooth  the  ills  of  life, 
TTas  his.     And  manly  sons  sincere  and  good, 
Like  graceful  olives  'round  his  table  stood  ; 
And  Elim's  seat  domestic  pleasure  crowned, 
And  streams  of  comfort  murmured  all  around. 


14  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

One  special  sin  disturbed  their  sweet  repose, 

And  filled  their  future  cup  with  tears  and  woes. 

They  should  have  kissed  the  kind  correcting  rod, 

And  bowed  submissive  to  the  will  of  God. 

And  faith,  and  love,  and  hope,  and  patience,  tried, 

No  real  good  Jehovah  had  denied. 

The  holy  bonds  of  faith  in  God  are  rent, 

And  doubting  hearts  are  filled  with  discontent. 

Dark  unbelief  awakens  anxious  fears. 

Their  patrimonial  seat  no  longer  cheers, 

Their  home  forsaken  and  neglected  lies. 

The  promised  land,  the  bleeding  sacrifice, 

The  house  of  prayer,  the  altar,  and  the  feasts, 

No  more  can  fix  and  calm  their  troubled  breasts. 

They  seek  their  dwelling  place  in  Gentile  land, 

And  live  beneath  the  Lord's  correcting  hand. 

Ah  !  vain  employ  the  earthly-  house  to  rear, 

When  God  the  heavenly' Builder  is  not  near. 

The  hills  of  Moab  now  their  flocks  adorn  ; 

They  press  the  grapes  and  bind  the  yellow  corn, 

And  hope  that  richer  harvests  will  abound 

On  Moab's  fields  than  Canaan's  holy  ground. 

But  God  has  sent  his  blast  on  all  their  trust, 

And  one  by  one  their  comforts  moulder  back  to  dust. 

The  Lord  displeased  has  darkened  Elim's  soul, 
And  waves  of  sorrow  o'er  his  bosom  roll  ;• 


K  U  T  H  .  15 

And  shades  of  doubt  bis  pious  hopes  enshroud, 
And  Elim  bows  in  death  beneath  the  cloud. 
Away  from  Canaan's  tombs  his  body  sleeps, 
And  o'er  his  grave  the  Gentile  willow  weeps. 

Oh  !  oft  when  God's  rebukes  awake  our  fears, 
He  fills  our  path  with  thorns,  our  cup  with  tears ; 
And  oft  when  Heaven's  correcting  hand  we  fly, 
Oar  chosen  rest  becomes  our  place  to  die. 

Nor  yet  did  Elim's  house  obey  the  rod, 
And  bow  submissive  to  the  will  of  God  ; 
And  still  they,  live  beneath  the  chastening  hand, 
And  hope  for  brighter  days  in  heathen  land. 

Naomi's  heart  revives,  her  tears  are  dried  ; 

And  Orpah  fair  is  now  young  Chilion's  bride. 

And  Orpah's  tender  heart  and  loving  mind, 

"With  industry  and  frugal  virtues  joined, 

Make  home  refreshing,  and  the  widow's  prayer 

Is  answered  in  her  daughter's  gentle  care. 

And  years  of  social  joy  did  Chilion  prove. 

Soothed  and  composed  by  Orpah's  tender  love. 

But  oh  !  the  Lord  displeased  in  wrath  appears, 

Consumes  their  wealth  and  fills  their  cup  with  tears. 

From  year  to  year,  with  unremitting  toil, 

They  cultivate  a  hard  unyielding  soil. 

With  scanty  sheaves  the  reaper  fills  his  hands. 

No  more  the  vineyard  clothed  with  clusters  stands : 


16  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Nor  flocks  nor  herds  increase,  and  God  denies 
The  gift  of  sons  to  bless  their  longing  eyes. 
Nor  single  come  the  judgments  of  the  Lord. 
Disease  and  death  obey  His  solemn  word. 
Jehovah  calls,  nor  love,  nor  power  can  save, 
And  Orpah  monrns  beside  her  husband's  grave. 
And  still  her  tender  heart  Naomi  cheers, 
And  widowed  hands  assuage  the  widow's  tears. 
They  mourn  and  love.     They  cleave  with  mutual  ties, 
And  live  as  one  in  sorrow's  sympathies. 

Nor  yet  did  bleeding  hearts  submissive  bend 
To  God  alone,  their  sure  almighty  Friend  ; 
And  still  on  Gentile  soil  they  hope  to  rear 
Their  house,  and  God  the  Builder  is  not  near. 

Naomi's  youngest  joy,  her  staff  and  stay, 
Beloved  and  nourished  in  the  trying  day, 
Has  filled  her  soul  with  hopes  and  fears  allied, 
And  Ruth  is  now  young  Mahlon's  beauteous  bride, 
The  flower  of  heathen  land,  the  blooming  flower, 
Fragrant  and  sweet  to  grace  Naomi's  bower ; 
And  sweeter  far  in  Mahlon's  tent  to  bloom, 
And  scatter  round  his  house  a  rich  perfume. 
And  years  did  Ruth  most  faithfully  employ 
To  raise  their  fortunes  and  increase  their  joy  ; 
And  all  that  love  and  care  could  do,  was  done 
To  cheer  the  widow  and  the  widow's  son. 


EUTH.  17 

And  all  in  vain.     The  Lord  who  rules  above 
Withholds  his  blessings  and  withdraws  his  love, 
The  flocks  no  longer  range  on  verdant  hills : 
No  more  the  vineyards  pour  their  shining  rills. 
The  olive  fails.     The  field  no  longer  grants 
Her  golden  sheaves  to  crown  the  reapers'  wants. 
Xo  children  'round  then-  humble  table  rise, 
The  gift  of  God,  to  bless  their  longing  eyes; 
And  Elim's  house  shall  witness  deeper  woe, 
And  hearts  of  grief  shall  darker  sorrow  know, 
Till  every  earthly  scheme  is  torn  away, 
And  God  shall  be  their  everlasting  stay. 

Jehovah  calls,  and  Mahlon's  soul  has  fled 
To  the  dark  chambers  of  the  silent  dead  ; 
And  Ruth,  now  smitten  by  th'  Almighty's  power, 
Sits  desolate  in  Elim's  mournful  bower. 
Beneath  the  tree  the  sons  and  father  sleep, 
And  o'er  their  graves  the  lonely  widows  weep  ; 
And  mingling  hearts  of  grief,  the  mourners  bend 
In  silent  sorrow  o'er  each  chosen  friend. 

But,  oh  !  what  anguish  fills  Naomi's  soul ! 
"What  waves  of  trouble  o'er  her  bosom  roll ! 
And,  oh  !  what  tender  love,  and  winning  art 
Does  Ruth,  employ,  to  sooth  her  aching  heart ! 
But  all  in  vain.     As  jet  God's  judgments  lie 
Unblessed  upon  her  soul  of  agony. 


18  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

A  widowed  stranger  in  a  foreign  state  ; 
Her  substance  gone  ;  her  home  all  desolate  ; 
Her  noble  husband,  once  her  joy  and  trust, 
And  pleasant  children  moldering  in  the  dust ; 
The  wound  is  all  too  deep,  the  grief  too  pure 
For  Ruth's  untiring  tenderness  to  cure. 
E'en  love  itself  no  remedy  can  find, 
And  God  alone  the  broken  heart  can  bind. 
Deprived  of  all,  her  spirit  bows  to  grace, 
And  Israel's  God  becomes  her  hiding  place ; 
And  chastened,  contrite,  yielding  to  the  rod, 
She  finds  her  peace,  her  rest,  her  all  in  God. 
Oh  !  happy  rest,  beneath  Jehovah's  hand, 
Her  rock  and  shadow  in  a  weary  land. 
The  Lord  has  triumphed,  and  the  cause  is  won, 
And  faith  exclaims:  Thy  will,  O  God!  be  dome. 
How  rich  the  joys  that  fill  Naomi's  breast! 
Her  chains  are  broken,  and  her  soul  is  blessed  ! 
And  gentle  Ruth,  in  that  most  trying  hour, 
Has  felt  the  comforts  of  the  Spirit's  power  ; 
And  God,  fair  stranger,  has  ordained  for  thee 
The  joys  of  lovely,  heavenly  piety  ! 

And  still  the  widows'  days  are  dark  and  long, 
And  sorrows  mingle  with  their  holy  song ; 
But  morning's  rosy  light  begins  to  appear, 
And  hopes  of  better  days  their  bosoms  cheer. 


RUTH.  19 

A  joyful  sound  lias  come  from  Bethlehem's  plain  : 
The  Lord  lias  blessed  his  chosen  land  again ; 
And  Canaan's  hills,  the  flocks  and  herds  adorn  ; 
The  vineyards  bloom,  the  valleys  wave  with  corn  ; 
And  God,  dispensing  gifts,  in  love  has  spread 
His  children's  board  with  rich  and  cheering  bread. 
Naomi's  strength  revives  as  faith  surveys 
The  promised  land  all  animate  with  praise  ; 
And  ardent,  warm  desire  her  spirit  fills, 
To  join  the  songs  on  Zion's  holy  hills. 
And,  oh  !  may  God  extend  his  guardian  hand, 
And  guide  Naomi  to  her  native  land. 

The  widows,  mingling  hearts  of  tenderest  ties, 

And  joined  as  one  in  sorrow's  sympathies, 

Each  severed  from  the  fostering,  parent  stem, 

Are  on  the  way  to  lovely  Bethlehem. 

And  Moab's  hills  with  rosy  rays  are  bright ; 

Autumnal  valleys  smile  with  joyful  light; 

All  nature's  landscapes,  bathed  in  morning  dew, 

Refresh  their  hearts  and  charm  their  opening  view. 

And  still  Naomi  feels  the  chastening  rod. 

Deprived  of  all  exeept  the  widow's  God, 

Her  noble,  generous  spirit  mourns  to  see 

The  lonely  widows  doomed  to  poverty ; 

"And  go,"  she  said,  "  my  daughters,  cease  to  roam, 

Nor  leave  for  me  vour  mother's  tender  home  ; 


20  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  seek  in  wedded  love  a  happier  rest, 
Beloved,  and  honored,  and  by  others  blessed. 
And,  oh  !  may  God  as  kindly  soothe  your  cares, 
And  calm  your  hearts,  and  hear  your  humble  prayers, 
As  my  sweet  offspring,  now  enthroned  above, 
Received  your  smiles,  and  proved  your  faithful  love; 
And  God  to  you  his  tenderness  impart, 
As  ye  have  kindly  healed  this  bleeding  heart. 
And  fare  ye  well.     Return,  and  God  defend, 
And  be  your  constant  everlasting  friend." 

She  spake  :  the  mother's  soul  was  all  revealed 
As  love's  last  pledge  the  sad  departure  sealed. 

"  And  can  we  part  ?  "  the  faithful  mourners  cried. 

"  And  can  we  leave  thy  dear  maternal  side  ? 

We  go,  we  go,  as  one  in  sweet  accord, 

And  join  with  thee  thy  people  and  thy  Lord." 

They  said  ;  and  feelings  which  awhile  had  slept, 

Awoke  with  all  their  powers  ;  they  wept,  they  wept. 

And  shall  Naomi,  poor  and  desolate  — 

No  power  to  raise  the  widows'  mournful  state, 

No  home  to  enter,  and  no  friend  to  bless, 

And  none  save  God  her  troubles  to  redress  — 

And  shall  Naomi  onward  look  and  see 

The  lovely  band  in  suffering  poverty  ? 

Again  she  cried  :  "  My  daughters,  cease  to  roam, 

Nor  leave  for  me  your  long  loved  native  home  ; 


RUTH. 

"No  earthly  good  can  these  poor  hands  bestow, 
To  raise  your  fortunes,  and  relieve  your  woe. 
For  your  dear  sakes  my  spirit  feels  the  rod 
That  lays  me  broken  at  the  feet  of  God  ; 
Xo  comfort  now  can  Elim's  house  afford, 
Save  this  fond  heart  and  Israel's  faithful  Lord." 

They  weep  afresh  ;  and  Orpah's  spirit  failed  ; 
The  trial  conquered,  and  the  world  prevailed, 
And  Orpah  weeping  from  her  side  withdrew, 
And  lips  of  sorrow  breathed  the  last  adieu  ; 
Within  her  mother's  house  her  journey  ends, 
And  finds  her  gods,  her  country,  and  her  friends. 

Kot  so  the  sister  ;  storms  and  trials  prove 
The  power  of  faith,  of  constancy,  and  love. 
And  Ruth,  fast-cleaving  to  Xaomi's  hand, 
Will  journey  onward  to  the  promised  land  ; 
To  her  more  dear  than  all  the  earth  can  give, 
To  see  in  faith  Jehovah's  face  and  live ; 
And  modest,  fervent  love,  is  tried  again. 
"  Behold  thy  sister  moving  o'er  the  plain. 
Return,"  she  cried,  "  nor  let  thy  bosom  bleed, 
In  cleaving  to  this  broken  bruised  reed." 
And  Ruth,  unshaken  in  her  faith,  replied  : 
"  Entreat  me  never  to  forsake  thy  side : 
Where  e'er  thy  footsteps  go  my  feet  shall  tread ; 
And  where  thou  rests  at  night  shall  be  my  bed. 


21 


22  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Th j  God  and  people,  joined  in  one  accord, 

Shall  be  my  people,  and  my  faithful  Lord. 

The  land  wherein  thou  diest,  I  will  die  ; 

And  where  thy  dust  shall  sleep,  my  bones  shall  lie. 

And  God  be  witness,  and  His  curse  impart, 

If  ought  save  death  shall  tear  me  from  thy  heart." 

O  holy  love  !     Thy  simple  sacrifice 

Gains  and  preserves  the  noblest  victories. 

No  power  Naomi's  soul  could  longer  find 

To  touch  a  deeper  chord  in  that  pure,  noble  mind. 

The  widows'  generous  souls  in  union  blend, 

And  each  has  found  a  dearer,  sweeter  friend. 

And  now,  their  hearts  revived  and  God  their  stay, 

They  journey  on  content  from  day  to  day  ; 

O'er  hills  which  numerous  flocks  and  herds  adorn  ; 

Through  valleys  waving  rich  with  yellow  corn  ; 

Through  groves  of  palm  trees,  and  through  olive  fields, 

And  where  the  vine  her  thousand  clusters  yields : 

O'er  mountains  wild,  through  gloomy  forest  wood, 

O'er  Arnon's  stream,  and  Jordan's  rolling  flood  ; 

And  aid  unseen  made  safe  their  varied  road 

From  heathen  regions  to  the  land  of  God. 

And  Elim's  widows,  poor,  alone,  distressed, 

In  Bethlehem  find  a  place  to  mourn,  to  toil,  to  rest. 

"  Is  this  Naomi,"  every  voice  exclaim, 

"  Whose  husband  shone  a  prince  on  Bethlehem's  plain  ? 


RUTH.  23 

Is  this  Naomi,  she  whose  mansion  stood 

In  cheerfulness  amid  th'  embowering  wood  ; 

Whose  children  walked  in  affluence  and  ease, 

Adorned  with  every  grace  a  mother's  heart  to  please? 

Is  this  Naomi,  she  whose  prospects  shone 

So  bright,  the  honored,  happy,  pleasant  one  ?" 

"  Ah  !  kindred,  call  me  not  Naomi  now. 

My  heart  is  pained,  and  sadness  clothes  my  brow. 

That  pleasant  name  recalls  my  former  rest, 

When  all  were  happy,  and  our  home  was  blessed. 

Another  name  reveals  my  present  state, 

When  God  has  frowned,  and  all  is  desolate. 

Oh  !  call  me  Mara  ;  for  th'  Almighty's  hand 

Has  filled  my  bitter  cup  in  heathen  land. 

I  went:  and  children,  husband,  wealth,  were  my  fond 

trust ; 
I  come  :  and  spouse,  and  sons,  and  wealth,  are  all  in 

dust. 
My  way  was  sinful,  and  the  Lord  has  spoken  : 
The  Lord  is  just,  and  my  poor  heart  is  broken  !" 

And  now  their  humble  tent  the  widows  spread, 
And  find  a  simple  home  to  rest  the  weary  head. 
Sad  recollections  oft  their  bosoms  wruns:,    * 
And  oft  Naomi  poured  her  soul  in  song. 


24  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 


They  called  me  once  the  pleasant  one, 

When  heavenly  favors  on  me  shone ; 

My  husband  was  a  chosen  gem  ■ 

'Amid  the  lights  of  Bethlehem  ; 

My  noble  sons  sincere  and  good 

Like  olives  round  my  table  stood ; 

My  mansion  rose  in  shady  grove 

The  seat  of  pure  domestic  love ; 

My  board  was  crowned  with  cheering  bread, 

The  Spirit's  oil  was  on  my  head. 

Ob !  every  blessing  on  me  shone, 

They  called  me  once  the  pleasant  one  1 

My  soul  has  sinned,  and  Israel's  God 
Has  made  me  feel  His  chastening  rod ; 
In  Gentile  land  my  husband  sleeps, 
And  o'er  his  grave  the  willow  weeps  ; 
My  offspring,  once  my  joy  and  pride, 
Now  rest  in  Moab  side  by  side ; 
My  flocks  and  herds,  and  all  my  wealth, 
Have  felt  the  conquering  power  of  death. 
My  soul  has  sinned  ;  and  contrite  now, 
Before  the  widow's  God  I  bow 
And  bow  in  hope,  that  God  will  own 
Naomi  yet,  the  pleasant  one! 


RUTH.  25 


The  promised  land  in  rich  abundance  yields  ; 
The  wheat  is  ripe,  the  reapers  fill  the  fields ; 
And  Bethlehem's  hardy  sons  find  sweet  employ, 
While  harvests  sown  in  hope  are  reaped  in  joy. 
Autumnal  scenes  enliven  every  breast, 
And  God  is  honored,  and  the  people  blessed. 
And  there  was  princely  Boaz,  a  worthy  name, 
A  man  beloved  of  God,  of  wide  spread  fame, 
Whose  ample  fields  uncounted  flocks  adorn, 
And  wide-spread  valleys  waved  with  golden  corn ; 
Who  walked  in  affluence  on  Canaan's  soil, 
The  gift  of  God,  through  honest  noble  toil. 
And  Boaz  was  generous,  bountiful,  and  kind, 
And  every  grace  adorned  his  noble  mind. 
Endearing  sentiments  his  heart  imbued, 
And  all  his  walk  was  conscious  rectitude. 
Where  e?er  the  happy,  upright  man  appeared, 
He  won  the  love  of  all,  and  all  revered. 
But  crowning  all  his  worth,  to  Boaz  was  given 
The  holy,  joyful  attributes  of  heaven. 
Celestial  comforts  filled  his  pious  breast ; 
Happy  in  all  his  works,  and  God  his  rest. 
2sone,  none  was  found,  who  sat  in  Bethlehem's  gate, 
In  wealth  so  mighty,  and  in  love  so  great. 
And  Boaz  the  rich,  the  generous,  and  the  good, 
To  Elim's  house  was  near  in  kindred  blood  ; 
2 


26  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

And  God  was  moving,  in  mysterious  ways, 
Naomi's  broken,  fallen  house  to  raise. 

The  barley  fields  are  ripe.     The  reapers  stand 
'Mid  golden  sheaves  through  all  the  joyful  land. 
No  harvest  waves,  no  reapers  move  with  pride 
To  gather  treasures  to  Naomi's  side. 
But  God,  whose  blessings  cause  the  earth  to  yield, 
Permits  the  poor  to  glean  the  harvest  field ; 
That  men  of  wealth  and  poverty  may  own, 
That  God  dispenses  gifts,  and  God  alone. 
The  stranger,  widow,  and  the  orphan,  see 
The  rule  of  kindness,  and  of  industry. 
The  daughter's  feelings  cheerfully  embrace 
The  humble  labor,  and  the  heavenly  grace. 
"  And  I  will  go,"  she  said,  with  calm  content, 
"And  glean  where  reapers  kind  may  give  consent." 
Naomi  yielded,  and  in  prayer  they  bowed : 
The  sacrifice  is  made,  and  God  approved. 

The  rosy  dawning  guilds  the  eastern  sky. 

The  earth  is  all  awake  to  joyful  industry, 

And  Ruth,  attired  in  neat  and  simple  dress, 

The  ornament  of  native  loveliness, 

Goes  forth  with  conscious  rectitude  of  mind, 

With  modest  fear,  and  kindling  hope  combined, 

To  glean  the  fields.     The  land  was  rich  and  wide 

Where  she  might  choose  ;  and  Providence  her  guide. 


RUTH.  27 

And  Heaven  directed  on,  her  footsteps  tend 
To  harvest  fields  of  Boaz  her  husband's  friend. 
And  suppliant  there,  she  thankfully  receives 
Consent  to  glean  amid  the  reapers'  sheaves. 
Inspired  by  love,  by  sense  of  duty  moved, 
Her  work  is  cheerful,  as  her  heart  approved. 

The  damsel,,  exiled  from  her  native  place, 

Enduring  hardships  with  becoming  grace, 

A  modest  stranger  in  a  foreign  land, 

Has  won  the  hearts  of  all  that  reaping  band. 

The  humble  gleaner  toils  with  cheerfulness, 

And  Ruth  approved  Jehovah  comes  to  bless. 

Behold  the  master  of  the  field  and  men 

Has  come  with  joy  from  lovely  Bethlehem. 

A  generous  mildness  sat  upon  his  brow  ; 

His  lips  with  words  of  piety  overflow  ; 

And  standing  'mid  his  sheaves  the  good  man  said : 

"  May  heavenly  blessings  crown  the  reapers'  heads." 

The  reapers  answered  as  their  souls  were  blessed : 

"Mayheavenly  blessings  on  the  master  rest." 

Inquiries  made,  and  orders  kindly  given, 

All,  all  rejoice  beneath  approving  heaven  ; 

The  perfumes  of  that  harvest  field  ascend 

To  God  the  master's  and  the  servant's  friend. 

And  now  the  humble  gleaner  shares  her  part 
In  the  pure  promptings  of  the  good  man's  heart. 


28  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

"  And  who  is  this,  whom  God  and  want  have  led 
To  seek  in  rugged  toil  her  daily  bread '{  " 
The  servant  stationed  o'er  the  reaping  band 
Replied  :  "  A  stranger  this  from  Gentile  land, 
The  Moabite  whose  willing  footsteps  trod 
"With  Elim's  widow  to  the  land  of  God. 
The  stranger  mildly  asked  and  cheerfully  was  given 
Consent  t'  enjoy  the  gracious  rule  of  Heaven : 
The  morning  beams,  the  high  ascending  sun, 
Have  seen  the  work  her  faithful  hands  have  done ; 
Nor  has  she  tarried,  save  to  woo  more  aid 
For  toil,  she  sought  awhile  the  cooling  shade. 

The  stranger's  nameless  grace  had  filled  his  eye, 

And  his  kind  bosom  felt  for  poverty. 

But,  oh !  when  Boaz  had  heard  that  she  who  stood 

Amid  his  sheaves  was  near  in  kindred  blood  ; 

And  conscious  now  that  she  who  meekly  gleaned 

Was  that  fond  friend  on  whom  Naomi  leaned  ; 

The  mournful  story  of  his  landsman's  fate, 

His  house  dissolved,  his  widow  desolate, 

And  lands  by  others  held  till  Jubilee, 

Awoke  his  soul  to  tenderest  sympathy. 

Parental  accents  greet  the  stranger's  ear, 

Inspiring  hope,  and  banishing  her  fear. 

"  Fair  daughter,  thou  whom  Providence  has  led 

To  fields  of  Boaz  to  seek  thy  daily  bread, 


k  r  t  h  .  29 

Be  this  thy  field  to  glean.     This  barley  field 
To  all  thy  wants  a  good  reward  shall  yield : 
And  join  my  maidens  as  their  sheaves  they  bind, 
And  social  converse  shall  relieve  thy  mind. 
My  servants  all  are  charged  concerning  thee, 
To  honor  worth  and  aid  thy  industry  ; 
And  freely  drink,  as  my  young  men  shall  bring 
The  well-filled  vessel  from  the  gushing  spring. 

The  gleaner  answered,  filled  with  reverence  due, 
Her  actions  humble,  while  her  words  were  few: 
"  Thy  handmaid's  not  of  Jacob's  holy  race. 
The  land  of  Moab  is  my  dwelling  place. 
In  Gentile  paths  my  erring  feet  have  trod, 
Nor  am  I  meet  to  join  the  saints  of  God, 
And  gain  their  love ;  unworthy  e'en  to  share 
The  maidens'  friendship  and  enjoy  their  care. 
And  what  am  I,  a  stranger  desolate, 
To  win  the  kind  regard  of  one  so  great  V 

"Thy  name,  thy  works  and  woes,  are  all  revealed," 
Replied  the  master  of  the  harvest  field. 
"Our  ears  have  heard  thy  constancy  of  love 
To  Elim's  widow,  and  our  hearts  approve. 
And  we  have  heard  with  joy  that  grace  divine 
Has  won  thy  heart  to  leave  the  heathen  shrine, 
And  parents,  kindred,  friends,  and  home  forsake, 
Tor  Elim's,  Israel's,  and  Jehovah's  sake. 


30  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Th j  earthly  love,  and  heavenly  faith,  we  see 

In  all  thy  walk  of  humble  piety. 

Thy  works  of  love,  thy  works  of  faith,  the  Lord 

Most  richly  crown,  and  graciously  reward. 

May  God,  beneath  whose  wings  His  saints  are  blessed, 

Be  thy  full  comfort,  and  thy  everlasting  rest !" 

Kind,  condesending  love  has  touched  her  mind. 
With  reverence  deep,  and  gratitude  combined, 
The  gleaner  spake :  "  My  constancy  of  love, 
My  sacrifice,  and  trust  in  God  above, 
And  willingness  to  act  the  gleaner's  part, 
Have  gained  thy  generous,  sympathizing  heart. 
Thy  friendship  comforts,  and  thy  words  console 
The  various  troubles  of  the  widow's  soul ; 
And  let  thy  handmaid  in  thy  kindness  share, 
A  stranger  all  unwTorthy  of  thy  care." 

The  stranger's  mournful  story  Boaz  had  heard, 

Her  actions  honored  and  her  faith  revered. 

The  humble  gleaner  'mid  his  barley  sheaves 

Awakes  his  pity,  and  his  hand  relieves. 

Her  modest  charms  and  worth  his  eyes  approve, 

And  generous  feelings  ripen  into  love. 

And  love's  own  simple  power  goes  forth  to  bless 

The  widow,  stranger,  and  the  fatherless. 

"  These  fields  are  thine  to  glean.     This  reaping  throng 

Shall  cheer  thy  toil  with  Zion's  sacred  song. 


E  U  T  H  .  31 

And  as  their  hands  mv  maidens  shall  employ, 
Their  pious  converse  shall  increase  thy  joy. 
The  master  too  shall  love  and  care  for  thee, 
And  speed  thy  steps  in  paths  of  piety. 
And  thou  shalt  come  around  my  table  spread 
"With  God's  own  gifts,  and  eat  thy  cheering  bread. 
The  Lord  shall  bless  thy  works,  and  bless  thy  ways, 
And  fill  thy  soul  with  songs  of  greatful  praise.*' 

The  good  man's  words,  and  deeds,  and  smiles,  impart 
The  richest  solace  to  the  gleaner's  heart. 
And  now  to  her  successful  task  she  springs, 
And  as  she  gleans  her  sheaves  she  sweetly  sings. 

o 


THE    SOXG   OF   THE   GLEAXEE. 

I  came  beneath  Jehovah's  wing 
To  find  a  place  to  rest ; 

The  idol  shrine  could  never  bring 
Peace  to  my  weary  breast. 

My  heart  was  broken  by  the  rod 
That  laid  my  friends  in  dust ; 

And  I  have  come  to  find  in  God 
A  friend  in  whom  to  trust. 


32  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

The  tokens  of  His  care  are  found 

In  every  barley  field ; 
The  gems  of  love  are  scattered  round 

"Where  vines  their  clusters  yield. 

These  gathered  sheaves  are  full  of  grace ; 

The  widow's  God  has  said, 
Give  orphans  here  a  dwelling  place, 

And  give  the  poor  their  bread. 

With  conscience  calm  and  mind  serene, 
To  toils  my  hands  are  given,. 

An'd  all  the  golden  fruits  I  glean 
Are  mercy  drops  of  heaven. 

O  God  of  Israel !  from  thy  horn 

Thy  richer  blessings  shed ; 
And  I  will  glean  at  eve  and  morn 

The  soul's  celestial  bread. 

And  happy  in  this  precious  hour, 

My  heart  with  vigor,  strong, 
In  Bethlehem  I'll  pour  to  God 

My  everlasting  song. 


Tli'  ascending  sun  has  brought  the  noon-day  hour. 
The  reapers  all  have  joined  the  rural  bower. 
Each  on  his  sheaf  reclines.     The  harvest  board 
With  cheering  wine  and  strengthing  food  is  stored. 


RUTH.  33 

The  gifts  of  Heaven  are  blessed,  and  all  prepare 

To  eat  with  joy,  for  love  and  God  are  there. 

The  gleaner  'mid  the  reapers  on  their  sheaves 

Sat  blooming  near  the  master,  and  receives 

From  his  full  hand  the  choicest  of  the  meat, 

A  double  share,  by  kindness  rendered  sweet ; 

And  satisfied,  she  leaves  a  goodly  part 

For  one  at  home,  who  shares  her  anxious  heart. 

TJnmingled  pleasure  crowns  that  happy  hour. 

How  sweet  the  harvest  meal  beneath  the  rural  bower! 

Refreshed  in  body,  and  renewed  in  mind, 
The  band  divides,  each  to  his  place  assigned. 
And  all  with  vigor  reap  the  fruitful  soil, 
The  master  helping,  as  the  servants  toil ; 
And  all  are  cheerful  as  the  birds  of  spring; 
The  men  are  social,  and  the  maidens  sins:. 

And  Ruth,  now  strengthened  with  unusual  power, 
By  food  and  kindness  of  the  green-wood  bower, 
Goes  forth,  with  cheerful  heart  and  modest  mien, 
Glowing  celestial  sweet,  the  field  to  glean. 
The  master  moved  by  love  his  grant  renews, 
That  she  may  gather  where  her  heart  may  choose. 
This  strict  command  the  servant  now  receives, 
That  she  may  glean  amid  tlr  unbound  sheaves. 
His  young  men  too  are  charged  :  As  ye  shall  bind 
Let  handful  fall  with  cheerful,  liberal  mind. 
2* 


34  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Without  rebuke  let  Ruth  with  us  remain, 
And  gather  largely  of  the  precious  grain. 
Thus  Boaz,  the  good  man,  bountiful  and  free, 
Dispensed  his  gifts,  and  nourished  industry. 

The  sun  is  lingering  on  the  mountain's  side  : 

The  gleaner's  hands  are  faithfully  applied 

To  her  successful  task,  nor  ceases  yet 

Her  toil,  till  all  his  beams  are  set. 

Then  sheaf  by  sheaf  she  beats,  and  sees  the  grain 

A  measured  ephah  of  the  barley  grain. 

A  treasure  dearer  than  the  ruby  gem, 

She  bears  away  to  lovely  Bethlehem. 

Thankful  and  happy  that  her  day's  employ 

Will  fill  Naomi  with  a  feast  of  joy. 

And  Ruth  was  doubly  blessed,  as  o'er  again 

She  measured  #ut  and  showed  the  precious  grain, 

And  told  the  story  of  the  harvest  scene: 

What  her  charmed  ears  had  heard,  her  eyes  had  seen. 

And,  oh  !  how  radiant  beamed  her  eyes  with  love, 

When  her  dear  mother  all  her  works  approve. 

And  when  Naomi  in  that  blissful  hour 

Received  her  portion  of  the  green-wood  bower, 

Which  Ruth  now  added  to  her  simple  store, 

'T  was  then  the  cup  orjoy  was  running  o'er. 

In  evening's  calm  retirement  let  me  find 
A  listening  ear,  a  sympathetic  mind 


RUTH.  35 

Tc  share  my  sorrows,  and  rny  joys  partake, 
And  feel  an  interest  pure :  for  her  dear  sake 
I  '11  bear  all  day  the  burden  and  the  heat, 
For  the  blessed  hour  of  evening's  calm  retreat. 
And  t4ius  was  Ruth  most  happy  and  serene, 
Returning  wearied  from  the  harvest  scene. 

"  Where  hast  thou  gleaned  my  daughter  ?     Who  is  he 

So  kind,  so  thoughtful  of  thy  poverty  ? 

Thy  ample  treasure  and  abundant  meal 

Proclaim  a  benefactor  wont  to  feel 

For  others'  sorrows.     May  the  Lord  impart 

His  blessings  largely  to  the  good  man's  heart !" 

"  The  man  with  whom  I  gleaned,  who  feels  the  woes 
That  poverty  endures,  is  happy  Boaz. 
His  fields  are  wide.     With  joy  I  heard  him  say  : 
These  fields  are  thine  to  glean  from  day  to  day. 
Near  to  my  young  men  keep.     My  harvest  field 
For  all  thy  wants  a  rich  supply  shall  yi©ld." 

Naomi's  heart  was  cheered.     The  name  of  Boaz 
Inspired  her  prospects,  and  relieved  her  woes. 
For  Elim,  now  enthroned  with  God  above, 
Had  shared  his  bounty,  and  enjoyed  his  love. 
And  still  his  goodness  lives,  and  Boaz  is  led 
To  pour  his  blessings  on  the  widow's  head. 
Her  soul  exclaimed  :  "  My  daughter,  may  the  Lord 
Crown  all  his  goodness  with  a  rich  reward. 


36  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  Boaz,"  she  said,  "  the  rich,  the  great,  the  good, 
To  Elim's  house  is  near  in  kindred  blood  ; 
Nor  let  my  daughter  from  his  fields  remove, 
'T  is  good  to  gain  his  grace,  and  win  his  love  ; 
Fast  by  his  maidens  glean,  that  Boaz  may  find 
The  stranger  thankful,  and  of  constant  mind." 

In  converse  sweet,  and  prayer,  and  sacred  song, 
To  God,  th'  autumnal  evening  they  prolong. 
With  grateful  hearts  for  mercies  gone  before, 
And  budding  hopes  of  blessings  yet  in  store, 
They  lay  them  down.     Their  bed  the  angels  keep  ; 
And  God  dispenses  promised,  balmy  sleep. 
The  widow's  tent  of  piety  is  blessed, 
Fair  emblem  of  the  everlasting  rest. 


THE  EVENING  HYMN  OF  RUTH  AND  NAOMI. 

'T  is  sweet,  O  Lord,  at  morning  light, 

Thy  presence  to  implore; 
And  know  that  Thou  wilt  guide  aright 

Our  footsteps  evermore. 

'T  is  sweet,  O  Lord,  all  day  to  cast 

Each  burden  on  Thy  care ; 
And  know  when  toiling  hours  are  passed. 

That  Thou  hast  heard  our  prayer. 


KUTH.  37 

'T  is  sweet,  O  Lord,  at  evening  hour 

To  turn  the  heart  to  Thee  \ 
And  know  that  Thy  o'ershadowing  power, 

All  night  our  shield  shall  be. 

The  morning  light,  the  noon-day  heat, 

The  evening  shades  are  Thine. 
'T  is  sweet,  O  Lord,  all  times  to  rest, 

Beneath  Thy  wings  divine. 


And  now,  from  day  to  day,  the  daughter  gleaned, 

The  faithful  friend  on  whom  Naomi  leaned. 

And  every  setting  sun  her  loved  employ 

Increased  their  substance,  and  renewed  their  joy. 

Xor  less  the  happiness  that  Boaz  receives, 

As  Kuth  is  gleaning  'mid  his  barley  sheaves. 

The  joy  was  mutual,  and  a  power  unseen 

"Was  ripening  love  through  all  that  harvest  scene, 

And  Providence  was  leading  on  the  way. 

To  crown  with  marriage  bliss  the  closing  harvest  day. 


in. 

"Weeping  may  last  through  all  the  starless  night, 
But   comfort  springs  with  morning's  rosy  light. 
And  he  who  walks  his  furrowed  land,  and  sows 
"With  liberal  cast   his  seed  in  tears  and  woes, 
In  brighter  days  his  hands  shall  find  employ, 
In  reaping  golden  sheaves  with  harvest  joy. 


38  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  thus  Naomi  long  in  darkness  sighs  ; 
The  morn  is  breaking,  and  her  comforts  rise. 
And  thus  the  patient  Ruth  has  sown  in  tears  ; 
The  field  is  blooming,  and  the  harvest  cheers. 
And  faith,  and  hope,  and  patience  tried,  the  Lord 
"Will  crown  the  righteous  with  His  pure  reward. 

Artless  and  undesiring  Ruth  still  goes, 

From  day  to  day,  to  glean  the  fields  of  Boaz. 

No  other  hopes  inspire  her  humble  mind, 

Save  hopes  that  constant  labor  she  may  find; 

And  in  her  daily  occupation  see 

Her  house  sustained  by  faithful  industry. 

Not  so  Naomi.     Providence  supplies 

Occasion  just  for  other  hopes  to  rise 

In  her  maternal  heart,  e'en  hopes  to  blend 

In  marriage  bonds  her  daughter  and  her  friend. 

With  warm  desire  her  pious  spirit  glows, 

To  build  her  house  through  kindred  Boaz. 

The  rule  of  Heaven  her  soul  remembers  well, 

That  not  a  name  should  die  in  Israel ; 

That  widows,  childless,  shall  maintain  their  cause 

By  yielding  honor  to  Jehovah's  laws. 

The  occasion  God  has  made,  and  Heaven  designs 

To  crown  His  work  by  joining  kindred  minds. 

"  My  faithful  daughter,  shall  I  find  thee  rest," 

Naomi,  undisguised,  her  thoughts  expressed. 


EUTH.  39 

"  Indulgent  Boaz,  the  generous  and  the  good, 
To  Elim's  house  is  near  in  kindred  blood. 
In  kindred  Boaz  our  legal  right  resides, 
To  save  a  name  among  the  chosen  tribes. 
Behold  his  cheerful  harvest  days  are  o'er. 
He  winnows  barley  on  the  threshing  floor. 
The  Lord  has  largely  blessed  his  loved  employ, 
And  his  kind  heart  overflows  with  harvest  joy. 
To  night  he  holds  his  simple  rural  feast, 
And  God  is  honored,  and  his  household  blessed. 
Arise,  the  cleansing  water  freely  use, 
And  o'er  thy  limbs  the  perfumed  oil  diffuse ; 
And  lay  aside  the  simple  gleaner's  dress, 
And  clothe  thee  in  thy  robes  of  loveliness. 
Thy  raven  locks  shall  grace  thy  modest  brow, 
For  elegance  of  style  becomes  thee  now. 
And  in  thy  spousal  ornaments  attired, 
By  sense  of  duty  moved,  by  love  inspired, 
Go  seek  the  threshing  floor,  and  meekly  claim 
The  legal  honors  of  a  kinsman's  name." 

In  modest  elegance  the  daughter  stands, 
Obedient  to  Naomi's  strict  commands. 
Her  form  was  charming,  and  her  open  face 
Beamed  heavenly  sweetness  and  angelic  grace. 
But  richer  charms  were  hers ;  the  inward  dress, 
All  wrought  with  gold,  the  robe  of  righteousness  ; 


40  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

And  that  bright  ornament  to  crown  the  whole, 
The  heart  of  love,  the  meek  and  quiet  soul : 
A  bride  prepared  by  God,  a  chosen  gem, 
To  grace  the  noblest  house  in  Bethlehem. 

And  happy  Boaz  had  closed  his  rural  feast. 

His  servants  all  had  sunk  to  balmy  rest. 

The  Bethlemite,  in  meditations  sweet, 

His  heart  was  good,  enjoyed  his  calm  retreat. 

"  God  of  the  harvest  ever  praised,"  he  said, 

"  Thy  blessings  largely  given  exalt  my  head. 

My  barns  are  stored  with  corn,  my  vineyard  stands 

In  clusters,  and  my  verdant  pasture  lands 

Are  white  with  flocks,  and  every  sunny  hill 

The  lowing  herd  o'erspread,  the  camels  fill. 

My  maidens  and  my  young  men  hear  my  voice, 

And  live  in  love  and  peace,  and  all  rejoice. 

These  are  thy  gifts,  O  God  ;  these  blessings  prove 

Pledges  of  constant  care  and  gracious  love. 

May  my  blessed  spirit  humbly  yield  to  Thee 

The  works  of  faith  and  cheerful  piety !" 

"While  Boaz  was  musing  on  Jehovah's  ways, 

And  his  warm  heart  o'erflowed  with  grateful  praise, 

In  new  attire  the  gleaner  met  his  eyes, 

And  filled  his  soul  with  trembling  and  surprise, 

"Who,  who  art  thou?"* 

*See  the  original. 


K  U  T  H.  41 

"  I  am  thy  handmaid  Ruth,  and  here  I  claim 
The  le^al  honors  of  a  kinsman's  name. 
Tis  thine  mv  hopes  to  crown,  my  fears  to  quell, 
And  save  a  fallen  house  in  Israel."* 

"  My  daughter,"  righteous  Boaz  replied,  "  the  Lord 

Crown  all  thy  goodness  with  His  rich  reward. 

TTe  saw  thee  leave  thy  friends,  and  native  home, 

And  heathen  gods,  and  with  Naomi  roam, 

To  soothe  her  anguish,  and  her  sorrows  share, 

And  these  thy  constancy  of  love  declare. 

For  her  dear  sake  we  saw  thee  meekly  yield 

To  humble  toil,  and  glean  the  harvest  field  ; 

Prepared  by  faithful  industry  to  rear 

Thy  dwelling,  and  thy  aged  mother  cheer. 

But  greater  love  to  Ellin's  house  we  see 

In  this  devoted  act  of  piety. 

Fair  daughter,  fear  not ;  thou  shalt  ever  prove 

My  tender  care,  my  constant,  faithful  love. 

And  be  thy  mind  serene ;  this  evening's  hour 

Is  pure  and  sacred  in  my  rural  bower. 

And  all  my  people  know,  that  grace  divi^F 

Has  made  thy  bosom  virtue's  holiest  shrine. 

I  am  thy  kin.     A  nearer  kinsman  stands 

To  thee,  on  whom  are  resting  heaven's  commands. 

Nor  may  I  violate  my  country's  laws 

By  hastening  on  this  tender,  pleasing  cause. 


42  •  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

At  morning's  early  dawn  the  Betlriemite, 

Thy  nearest  kin,  shall  clearly  know  his  right. 

In  open  court,  before  the  sitting  sun, 

This  matter  shall  be  judged,  this  work  be  done. 

And  shall  thy  kinsman  act  the  kinsman's  part, 

Thou  art  his  wife,  the  solace  of  his  heart ; 

Or  waiving  his  fair  title,  thou  shalt  prove 

In  Boaz  a  guardian's  care,  a  husband's  love. 

In  pledge  of  my  firm  promise,  hear  me  now, 

O  God  :  and  witness  this  my  solemn  vow : 

Within  my  bower  enjoy  thy  quiet  rest; 

May  peaceful  slumbers  soothe  thy  anxious  breast. 

And  God  is  here  ;  His  eyes  alike  pervade 

The  day's  bright  sunshine,  and  the  evening's  shade. 

And  ere  the  sun  the  mountain's  brow  shall  gem, 

Thou  shalt  return  again  to  Bethlehem." 

She  slept  in  innocence.     The  gleaner  rose 

"While  yet  the  world  was  held  in  calm  repose. 

The  prudent  man  had  said  :  "  Let  none  have  power 

To  say  a  woman  sought  my  rural  bower." 

Dismissed^Rth  gifts,  the  gleaner  takes  her  way, 

And  gained  the  city  ere  the  break  of  day. 

With  pure  delight  JSTaomi's  spirit  glows 

To  hear  the  words  and  promises  of  Boaz, 

And  when  the  daughter  showed  the  gifts  he  sent, 

To  cheer  the  mother  in  her  lowly  tent, 


RUTH.  4:3 

Her  heart  exulting  said  :  "  These  presents  prove 
Pledges  of  grace,  and  monuments  of  love. 
My  faithful  daughter  rest ;  commit  thy  care 
To  Israel's  God,  who  hears  and  answers  prayer. 
Thy  love  to  Heaven  and  Elim's  house  is  tried. 
Trust  in  the  Lord,  in  Providence  confide. 
Thy  work  is  done ;  serenely  wait,  and  see 
The  end  of  God's  designs  concerning  thee. 
Kor  long  shall  patience  wait ;  ere  setting  sun 
The  cause  shall  be  adjudged,  the  work  be  done. 
For  Boaz,  the  upright  Boaz,  will  take  no  rest 
Till  his  own  tender  heart  and  thine  be  blessed." 

Thus  spake  !Naomi ;  and  their  prayers  ascend 
To  God,  their  constant,  everlasting  friend. 
And  ere  their  morning  sacrifices  cease, 
Jehovah  hears,  and  grants  His  perfect  peace. 


rv. 

The  autumnal  sun  in  cloudless  beauty  rose, 
And  "o'er  the  world  his  joyful  radiance  throws, 
"When  Salmon's*  son  appears  at  Bethlehem's  gate, 
Where  justice  is  dispensed  to  poor  and  great; 
Resolved  that  day  to  have  the  widow's  cause 
Adjudged  according  to  his  country's  laws. 

*Bouz. 


44  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

His  kinsman  came.     Their  seats  the  elders  take ; 
And  in  full  audience  thus  the  good  man  spake : 

"  Our  brother  Elim,  when  the  chastening  hand 
Of  God  was  resting  on  the  promised  land, 
Went  down  to  Moab.     There  our  brother  died. 
And  there  his  sons  are  sleeping  side  by  side. 
His  flocks,  and  herds,  and  all  his  princely  wealth, 
There  felt  the  power,  the  wasting  power  of  death. 
Oppressed  with  want,  oppressed  with  poverty, 
His  fair  estate  was  sold  to  Jubilee. 
His  house  is  all  dissolved.     In  widowed  state 
Naomi  has  returned,  all  desolate. 
And  with  her  Mahlon's  childless  widow  came, 
The  sole  surviving  hope  of  Elim's  name. 
In  her  alone  the  power,  the  right  resides, 
To  save  a  house  among  the  chosen  tribes. 
'Tis  written  in  our  country's  sacred  laws 
That  kinsmen  shall  espouse  the  widow's  cause. 
The  elders  know  that  justice  now  demands 
That  we  should  reinstate  our  brother's  lands. 
The  right  is  thine,  my  kinsman,  and  I  wait 
To  know  thy  purpose  in  the  public  gate." 

The  kinsman  quickly  answered :  "  I  will  yield 
A  kinsman's  duty,  and  redeem  the  field." 

Before  the  judges  Boaz  replied  :  "  The  land 
Which  thou  shalt  purchase  at  Naomi's  hand, 


EUTH.  45 

Of  Mahlon's  widow  thou  shalt  buy  the  same, 
To  raise  thereon  our  brother  Elim's  name." 

The  kinsman  answered  in  the  public  gate  : 
"  In  buying  I  will  mar  my  own  estate. 
I  waive  my  claim.     I  yield  my  prior  rights. 
Be  witnesses  ye  chosen  Bethleinites." 

Xow  Boaz  succeeds ;  assumes  the  widow's  cause, 
Sanctioned  and  honored  by  his  country's  laws. 
And  standing  joyfully  in  Bethlehem's  gate, 
He  said  :  "  This  day  I  purchase  all  the  estate 
Of  Elim.     Mahlon's  widow  I  assume 
My  lawful  wife  in  all  her  youthful  bloom ; 
And  her  first  born  the  heritage  shall  claim, 
And  bear  the  honored,  noble  Elim's  name. 
This  contract  here  I  seal  before  the  Lord : 
"Witness,  ye  elders,  and  ye  saints  record.'' 
The  chosen  elders  and  the  saints  reply, 
"  This  act  we  witness,  and  this  deed  we  ratify. 
May  God  on  this  young  woman's  honored  head 
His  blessing  pour,  His  mercies  largely  shed. 
Jehovah  grant  that  Boaz  with  joy  may  see 
A  numerous,  happy,  godly  family. 
May  Ruth  aye  prove  thy  richest,  choicest  gem, 
And  be  thou  great  and  praised  in  Bethlehem." 

Thus  prayed  the  elders,  and  a  heavenly  glow 
O'erspread  the  good  man's  righteous,  noble  brow. 


46  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

The  perfumes  of  that  holy  scene  ascend 
To  God,  His  people's  everlasting  friend. 
'And  God  exalted,  in  this  love  bestows 
Unnumbered  blessings  on  the  head  of  Boaz. 
And  that  best  earthly  good,  the  joy  of  life, 
The  pleasant,  virtuous,  sympathizing  wife. 
The  gleaner  in  her  husband's  mansion  now 
Lifts  up,  with  joy,  her  meek  and  modest  brow; 
The  happiest  bride  in  Bethlehem's  pleasant  gate, 
Of  Boaz  the  rich,  the  honored,  and  the  great. 
Naomi  fills  with  grace  her  new  abode, 
Lives  in  tranquillity,  and  walks  with  God. 
The  good  man's  house  domestic  pleasure  crowns, 
And  streams  of  comfort  murmur  all  around  ; 
And  all  rejoiced  that  Providence  led  on  the  way 
To  crown  with  marriage  bliss  the  closing  harvest  day. 

The  work  is  God's.     From  this  blessed  union  springs 
The  Jewish  sovereigns,  and  the  King  of  kings. 

The  mother  stands  in  beauty's  double  charms, 
Her  smiling  infant  blooming  in  her  arms. 
Enraptured  Boaz  receives  the  rosy  boy, 
And  all  a  father's  heart  overflows  with  joy. 
Naomi's  bliss  no  tongue,  no  heart  can  tell ; 
Her  house  is  now  restored  in  Israel. 
This  first-born  son  the  heritage  shall  claim, 
And  bear  the  honored,  noble  Elim's  name. 


BUTH.  47 

The  holy  women,  joined  in  sweet  accord. 

Her  consolations  share,  and  praise  the  Lord  : 

And,    heaven-directed,    said:  " This  first-born  son 

Of  Ruth  shall  be  thy  great  redeeming  one. 

In  him  thy  house  shall- rise,  and  long  shall  stand, 

Useful  and  honored  in  the  promised  land. 

Beneath  his  guardian  wings  thy  life  shall  bloom, 

And  he  shall  soothe  thy  passage  to  the  tomb" 

In  him,  through  all  thy  days,  thy  heart  shall  prove, 

A  husband's  care,  and  more  than  children's  love. 

His  name  is  Obed  ;  servant  of  the  Lord  : 

Thy  solace,  consolation,  and  reward. 

Auspicious  infant !     From  this  noble  stem 

Shall  they  arise  who  wear  the  diadem. 

And  greater  far,  from  Obed's  line  shall  spring 

The  Saviour,  Israel's  everlasting  King." 

Thus  spake  the  holy  women  as  they  share 
Naomi's  comfort  in  her  new-born  heir. 
And  now  to  her  maternal  charge  the  child  is  given, 
And  Elim's  widow  nursed  and  reared  him  up  for  heav'n. 

And  when  to  her's  were  pressed  the  lips  of  that  sweet 

boy, 
'T  was  then  her  cup  was  full,  her  heart  o'erflowed  with 

iov : 
And  all  her  ten  long  years  of  overwhelming  woes 
Were  lost  in  one  bright  hour  of  evening's  calm  repose; 
And  her  prophetic  name  in  hallowed  luster  shone, 
Naomi,  still  the  happy,  joyful,  pleasant  one. 


ESTHER. 


A   PARAPHRASE   OF   THE   BOOK   OF   ESTHER. 

"All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profit- 
able for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness;  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect, 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works."  All  Scripture, 
however,  is  not  equally  profitable.  The  doctrinal  and  prac- 
tical, the  devotional  and  prophetical,  are  of  the  greatest 
importance.  The  historical  and  biographical  have  their 
place  and  their  value,  and  the  true  Christian,  like  the  bee  in 
a  field  of  various  flowers,  can  gather  honey  from  every  page 
of  the  inspired  Volume.  The  book  of  Esther  is  purely  a 
history ;  and  although  the  name  of  the  Supreme  Being  is 
not  mentioned  in  the  book,  the  history  unfolds,  in  a  remark- 
able manner,  the  providence  of  God.  The  reading  of  this 
wonderful  story  is  well  calculated  to  lead  the  mind  to  the 
contemplation  of  the  character  of  our  heavenly  Father,  who 
controls  all  hearts,  and  orders  all  events  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  promote  His  own  glory,  and  secure  the  salvation  of  the 
Church.     The  wheels  of  Providence  very  often  appear  to  us 


ESTHER.  49 

high  and ,  dreadful,  but  by  careful  study,  and  patient  obser- 
vation, we  can  discover  a  wheel  within  a  wheel,  manifesting 
the  special  care  of  God,  not  only  over  us  as  a  whole,  but  over 
the  most  humble  individual  Christian.  I  recommend  the 
readers  of  the  Bible  to  study  the  strange  scenes  recorded  in 
the  book  of  Esther  in  view  of  strengthening  faith  in  the 
controlling  power  of  God  over  the  minds  and  passions  of 
wicked  men,  and  His  merciful  providence  on  the  behalf  of 
His  afflicted  people.  "While  God  knows  how  to  deliver,  He 
employs  instruments  to  accomplish  His  great  designs.  No 
weapon  that  is  formed  against  Zion  shall  prosper.  The 
gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  the  Church.  AYhile 
we  place  full  confidence  in  the  grace  and  power  of  God,  it 
becomes  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Zion  to  imitate  Esther 
and  Mordecai  in  their  devotion  to  the  cause  of  Israel.  And 
all  may  learn  from  this  history  the  beautiful  doctrine  of  the 
"Word  and  providence  of  God,  that  "  weeping  may  endure 
for  a  night  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning." 

The  history  commences  with  an  account  of  the  greatness 
of  the  Persian  empire  ;  the  sumptuous  banquet  of  the  king, 
which  led  to  the  divorcement  of  Queen  Vashti,  and  opened 
the  way  for  the  advancement  of  Esther,  who  became,  in 
connection  with  Mordecai,  the  saviour  of  the  Jewish 
people.' 

Esther's  Jewish  name  was  Hadassah,  which  signifies  a 
myrtle.  She  was  called  in  the  Persian  language  Esther, 
which  signifies  a  star.  No  doubt  because  of  her  brilliant 
beauty. 


50  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Ahasuerus  sat  on  Persia's  throne ; 

His  royal  crown  with  many  jewels  shone  ; 

Each  jem  declared  his  wide  extended  sway ; 

A  hundred  seven-and-twenty  states  his  laws  obey. 

From  Ethiopia  to  the  Indian  strand, 

Province  on  province  bowed  at  his  command ; 

His  oriental  standard,  wide  unfurled, 

Waved  o'er  the  proudest  empire  of  the  world. 

No  more  the  angry  storms  of  battle  lower ; 

The  Persian  monarchy  was  in  its  power ; 

Peace  like  a  river  through  the  kingdom  flows, 

And  countless  hosts  enjoy  a  brief  repose. 

The  times  were  genial.     Ahasuerus  calls 

His  honored  nobles  to  his  splendid  halls. 

From  every  province  of  his  vast  domain 

The  men  of  rank,  of  power,  of  influence  came. 

Came,  as  the  generous  invitation  ran, 

T'  enjoy  the  royal  banquet  at  Shushan. 

Princes  of  Media  came  in  splendid  state  ; 

And  Persia's  jeweled  nobles  thronged  the  gate, 

Where  day  by  day  the  royal  feast  went  on, 

The  richest  feast  the  sun  e'er  shone  upon  ; 

And  there  his  power,  his  wealth,  the  king  displays, 

A  hundred  fourscore  joyous  banquet  days. 

The  court  and  men  of  rank  have  shared  their  part 
In  the  warm  gushings  of  the  monarch's  heart ; 


ESTHER. 


51 


And  every  guest  will  homeward  turn  and  sing 

The  glory  of  the  Persian  throne  and  king. 

And  now  the  palace  court,  the  garden,  shows 

The  tables  ranged  iu  long  extended  rows. 

And  there  were  marble  pillows,  beds  of  gold, 

And  silver  rings,  and  purple  hangings  rolled 

In  ornamental  forms,  and  flowers,  and  vines, 

And  divers  golden  cups,  and  royal  wines. 

The  tables  all  with  richest  gifts  were  crowned, 

And  all  that  garden  seemed  enchanted  ground. 

The  feast  was  ample  for  each  child  and  man 

Who  thronged  joyous  streets  of  proud  Shushan ; 

And  seven  successive  days  the  people  sing 

O'er  cups  of  wine  the  praises  of  their  king. 

Nor  less  in  splendor  was  the  feast  prepared 

By  Yashti,  which  her  maids  of  honor  shared. 

And  all  the  women  of  the  place  were  seen 

Commingling  joyous  with  their  happy  queen. 

~No  banquet  e'er  was  made  in  power  and  pride, 

As  that  of  Persia's  sovereign  and  his  beauteous  bride. 

The  last,  the  crowning  festive  hour  draws  nigh. 
The  guests  are  in  their  wildest  ecstacy. 
The  king  commands  :  "  Go  chamberlains  and  call 
Queen  Yashti  in  to  grace  the  festive  hall : 
And  bid  her  come  in  every  sparkling  gem, 
And  on  her  head  the  royal  diadem  ; 


52  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

« 

That  her  rare  charms  the  princes,  having  seen, 
May  praise  the  beauty  of  the  lovely  queen." 

His  word  was  law.     But,  oh  !  the  burning  shame, 

For  sake  of  honor,  and  of  wide  spread  fame, 

To  call  retiring  Virtue  from  its  shrine, 

To  meet  the  gaze  of  princes  o'er  their  wine. 

His  word  was  law.     'T  was  dangerous  to  withstand, 

Though  all  unreasonable,  the  king's  command. 

'T  was  modesty,  not  duty,  gave  the  word 

Of  disobedience  to  her  rightful  lord. 

To  duty's  shrine  we  bow  and  give  our  praise, 

But  love  the  modesty  that  disobeys. 

The  scene  was  one  for  prudence  to  amend, 

And  each  had  been  a  dearer,  sweeter  friend. 

But,  oh  !  the  king  before  his  nobles  feels 

The  pangs  of  wounded  pride,  and  he  who  wields 

O'er  Persia's  realm  an  unresisted  power, 

Is  roused  to  wrath  in  that  wild  frenzied  hour. 

The  counselors  are  called.     The  men  who  draw 

Their  stores  of  knowledge  from  the  public  law, 

The  seven  high  princes  learned  and  great, 

Who  give  their  counsels  in  th'  affairs  of  state. 

"  What  judgment  'gainst  Vashti  the  queen  shall  stand, 

For  disobedience  to  the  king's  command, 

Imposed  by  honored  chamberlains,  and  known 

Far  as  extends  the  Medo-Persian  throne  ?" 


E  STHEK.  53 

The  king  is  seated  in  his  wounded  pride  ; 

His  robed  and  jeweled  princes  by  his  side. 

The  sage  Memucan,  rising  o'er  the  rest, 

His  counsel  gave,  his  judgment  thus  expressed  : 

"  Yashti  has  wronged  the  king  ;  nor  him  alone, 

But  all  the  nobles  who  surround  the  throne. 

In  every  province  where  the  king  bears  sway, 

The  people  all  have  suffered  wrong  this  day. 

On  wings  of  wind  the  news  will  fly  abroad, 

That  Yashti  disobeyed  her  rightful  lord ; 

And  Media's  daughters,  hearing,  will  withstand 

Their  husbands'  rule,  their  husbands'  just  command. 

E'en  Persia's  ladies,  held  in  high  esteem, 

The  princes  will  despise,  and  say,  the  queen, 

Self-willed,  refused  Ahasuerus'  call, 

To  stand  before  him  in  the  festive  hall ; 

S#-  shall  domestic  wrath  and  strife  arise, 

And  husbands  suffer  in  their  spouses'  eyes. 

Be  this  my  judgment :  Let  the  king  ordain 

Among  the  laws,  forever  to  remain, 

A  royal  ordinance,  that  Yashti  wear 

No  more  the  crown,  or  royal  honors  share. 

And  place  the  crown  upon  another's  brow, 

Disposed  respect  to  yield  and  reverence  show. 

Aud  when  the  statute  issues  from  the  throne, 

And  spreads  o'er  all  the  realm,  the  wives  shall  own 

Their  husbands'  lawful  powers,  and  in  that  day 

Due  honor  yield,  and  reverence,  and  obey. 


54  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

The  seven  high  counselors  of  state  agree, 
And  advocate  the  bold,  the  stern  decree. 

The  statute  shaped  to  please  the  princes  draw, 

And  royalty  appeased  ordained  the  law. 

From  the  gay  capital  to  every  land, 

Is  spread  in  every  tongue  the  king's  command ; 

The  absolute,  th'  unchangeable  decree, 

That  man  should  rule  his  house  in  sovereignty. 

And  such  the  law  Ahasuerus  gave, 

The  husband  tyrant,  and  the  wife  a  slave. 

A  better  law  the  Gospel  has  revealed, 

That  crowns  the  household  with  a  holier  shield. 

A  law  that  Christian  wives  delight  to  prove, 

The  force  of  reason  and  the  power  of  love. 

The  law  that  binds  with  silken  bands  the  bride, 

Near  to  the  husband's  heart,  and  ever  to  his  side. 

The  scene  is  o'er,  and  the  great  teacher,  Time, 
Has  cooled  the  passions  'roused  o'er  cups  of  wine. 
Amid  the  cares  and  splendors  of  the  throne, 
The  king  is  sad,  disconsolate,  alone. 
His  wrath  appeased,  his  aching  spirit  yearns 
For  love's  endearments,  and  to  Yashti  turns. 
Happy  the  king  had  been,  could  Yashti  wear 
Again  the  crown,  and  royal  honors  share. 
But,  oh  !  the  stern  decree  now  stands  between 
Ahasuerus  and  his  injured  queen. 


ESTHEE.  55 

Such  dire  results  arise  and  wound  the  soul, 
AVhen  kings  quaff  deeply  of  the  sparkling  bowl. 

To  soothe  the  monarch's  heart,  and  fill  the  throne, 
Another  queen  in  brilliancy  shall  come. 

Th'  observant  chamberlains  observe  :  "  The  king 
To  Shushan's  sumptuous  palaces  shall  bring  . 
The  fairest  flowers  that  bloom  in  every  laud, 
"Where  Ahasuerus  spreads  his  wide  command. 
And  Persia's  sweetest  flower  the  kiug  shall  choose, 
The  consort  royal,  and  the  obedient  spouse." 

The  king's  decree  to  every  province  ran, 

And  flowers  were  culled  to  bloom  in  gay  Shushan. 

The  princess'  garden,  and  the  poor  man's  field, 

Alike  are  called  their  choicest  rose  to  yield. 

In  every  state  was  plucked  the  sweetest  flower. 

'T  was  beauty  reigned  supreme  in  that  strange  hour. 

In  Shnshan  dwelt  an  honored  exiled  Jew, 
Xamed  Mordecai,  within  whose  garden  grew 
An  only  flower ;  that  flower  was  in  full  bloom, 
And  shedding  'round  his  house  its  rich  perfume. 
The  man  who  gathered  fairest  flowers  passed  by, 
And  plucked  the  only  rose  of  Mordecai. 

From  every  province  of  the  king's  domain, 
The  bands  of  beauties  to  the  palace  came. 


56  "  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Some  came  weeping  ;  some  in  smiles  were  seen, 

Hoping  to  win  the  crown,  and  reign  the  queen. 

The  Jewish  orphan  maiden,  reared  with  care, 

With  form  divine,  and  face  beyond  compare, 

Came  penSive,  yielding  to  the  stern  decree, 

Arrayed  in  robes  of  true  simplicity. 

'Mid  gems  of  beauty  shining,  Esther  far 

Resplendent,  shone  the  brightest,  fairest  star. 

JSTor  her's  alone  the  outward  form  and  face 

Of  purest  mould,  inimitable  grace ; 

The  inward  powers  like  polished  sapphires  shine, 

And  give  the  tints  of  heaven  to  beauty's  shrine. 

All,  all  were  held  in  admiration's  spell, 

Who  saw  the  brilliant  star  of  Israel. 

Her  open  countenance  and  modest  grace 

Have  gained  attendants,  and  the  highest  place. 

E'en  the  chief  chamberlain,  though  high  in  state, 

Deigns  to  descend  and  on  the  virgin  wait. 

Fair  Esther  won  all  hearts,  as  all  behold 

Pure  goodness  shrined  in  beauty's  heavenly  mould. 

Supreme  o'er  Gentile  virgins  Esther  shone, 

Her  people  and  her  country  all  unknown  ; 

For  Mordecai  had  said  :  "  Thou  shalt  not  tell 

Thy  kindred  's  of  the  house  of  Israel." 

Pensive  and  sad  the  pious  Jew  resorts, 
And  daily  walks  before  the  royal  courts  ; 


ESTHER.  57 

Anxious  to  know  if  heaven  will  kindly  aid 

In  this  new  scene  the  much  loved  orphan  maid. 

And  now  has  closed  th'  customed  lustral  year. 
The  fragrant  brides  before  the  king  appear. 
Each  in  the  dress  and  style  her  heart  may  choose, 
To  win  th'  affections  of  the  royal  spouse. 
For  thus  by  law  each  maid  enjoyed  the  right, 
T'  adorn  at  pleasure  for  the  nuptial  night. 
And  then  did  beauty  give  enchanting  grace 
To  every  female's  dress,  and  form,  and  face. 
But  Esther  had  no  choice  of  styles  of  art ; 
Her  trust  was  in  the  goodness  of  the  heart ; 
And  that  fair  form  of  symmetry  divine, 
The  home  of  modesty  and  beauty's  shrine. 
The  chamberlain  appoints,  and  Esther  stands 
In  simple  neatness  under  Hegai's  hands. 
Her  form  was  charming,  and  her  open  face 
Beamed  heavenly  sweetness,  and  angelic  grace. 
No  Oriental  bride  was  ever  seen 
So  pure,  so  brilliant,  and  so  much  the  queen. 
Eair  Esther  won  th'  admiring  hearts  of  all 
"Who  saw  her  leave  that  night  the  perfumed  hall, 
To  meet  the  bridegroom  in  the  royal  house, 
The  modest  maiden,  and  the  faithful  spouse. 
The  king  received  her  fragrant  to  his  side, 
And  owned  her  joyfully  his  favorite  bride. 


58  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

O'er  all  the  virgins  of  his  vast  domain, 
Esther  was  honored,  and  of  wide  spread  fame; 
And  all  were  happy  when  the  crown  was  seen 
Sparkling  anew  upon  a  Persian  queen. 

And  thus  Queen  Esther  came  in  royal  state, 
To  save  the  exiled  Jews  from  dismal  fate. 
The  ways  of  Providence  are  dark  and  high, 
And  who  can  scan  the  God  of  sovereignty  ? 

A  second  time  Ahasuerus  calls 

His  honored  princes  to  his  splendid  halls, 

To  share  Queen  Esther's  feast,  and  wide  display 

Her  honors  on  the  coronation  day. 

'Mid  jeweled  chiefs,  and  counselors  of  state, 

And  chamberlains  who  on  the  sovereign  wait ; 

'Mid  radiant  high  born  dames  of  every  land, 

From  Ethiopia  to  the  Indian  strand, 

The  beautiful,  the  unveiled  Esther  stood : 

Her  look  was  gracious  and  her  heart  was  good, 

And  at  the  ivory  altar  kneeling  down, 

Th'  exulting  king  bestowed  the  royal  crown  ; 

And  all  who  shared  the  feast,  and  graced  the  scene, 

With  acclamation  hailed  the  Persian  queen. 

The  king  was  generous  on  that  joyful  day. 

Ear  as  extends  his  wide  extended  sway 

His  royal  gifts  are  sent.     A  firm  release 

The  provinces  receive,  and  heavy  burdens  cease. 


ESTHER.  59 

The  Medes  and  Persians  have  their  queen  again, 
And  all  are  happy  in  their  monarch's  reign. 

Amid  the  lesser  officers  of  state 

Sat  llordecai,  to  guard  the  royal  gate. 

Fair  Esther  crowned,  and  shining  on  the  throne, 

Still  kept  her  country  and  her  race  unknown. 

To  Mordecai  she  gave  her  reverence  due, 

As  when  in  her  sequestered  home,  she  knew 

To  love  her  kinsman,  and  obey  his  will, 

And  all  a  daughter's  duty  to  fulfill. 

"Within  the  humble  tent,  or  lifted  high, 

The  queen  regards  the  will  of  Mordecai. 

And  filial  graces  give  her  more  renown 

Than  all  the  jewels  in  her  sparkling  crown. 

'Mid  love's  endearments,  and  th'  affairs  of  state, 
The  king  's  unconscious  of  the  deadly  hate 
Of  faithless  chamberlains,  who  watching  wait 
The  favored  time,  like  hungry  wolves,  to  spring 
And  glut  their  vengeance  on  th'  unguarded  king. 
The  observant  Mordecai  the  plot  has  seen, 
And  sent  the  warning  to  the  pious  queen. 
The  queen,  in  name  of  Mordecai,  makes  known 
The  message  to  her  consort  on  the  throne. 
And  step  by  step  by  inquisition  sure, 
Eigthan  and  Teresh  of  the  palace  door 
Are  guilty  found,  and  by  a  just  decree 
Are  hung  in  public  on  the  gallows  tree. 


60  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Their  names,  their  crimes,  the  verdict,  and  their  fate, 
Are  all  recorded  in  the  books  of  state ; 
Preserved  in  after  times  to  shape  the  plan 
Of  wonders  to  be  wrought  in  proud  Shushan. 

Queen  Esther's  feast  is  o'er.     The  Persian  throne 
Th'  assassins'  dark  designs  have  overthrown. 
The  empire  stands  secure  in  great  renown, 
And  years  of  peace  and  rest  the  people  crown. 
But  in  the  distance  gathering  clouds  arise 
To  fill  the  land  with  storms  and  agonies. 

At  his  right  hand  the  king  has  placed  the  seat 
Of  Hammedatha's  son,  the  proud,  the  great. 
O'er  all  the  princes,  all  the  men  of  might, 
Sits  high  enthroned  Haman  the  Amalekite. 
And  all  the  nobles  by  the  king's  decree 
To  Haman  reverence  give,  and  bow  the  knee. 

The  sacred  honors  which  alone  are  given 

To  the  high  Power  who  rules  in  earth  and  heaven, 

To  man  the  Benjamite  will  not  bestow, 

And  Mordecai  to  Haman  will  not  bow. 

"  I  am  a  Jew ;  from  God's  most  holy  law 

My  principles  of  faith  and  life  I  draw ; 

All  civil  honors  to  the  prince  I  bring, 

But  reverence  yield  to  Heaven's  eternal  King." 


ESTHER.  61 

When  daily  urged  by  men  of  high  degree 

To  yield  obedience  to  the  king's  decree, 

And  reyerence  Hainan  on  the  bended  knee, 

"  I  am  a  Jew,  was  still  the  firm  reply 

Of  pious,  consciencious  Mordecai ; 

I  yield  all  ciyil  honors  to  the  throne, 

But  worship  Israel's  God,  and  Him  alone. 

For  Judah's  welfare,  from  my  humble  seat, 

Fain  would  I  move,  and  kiss  proud  Hainan's  feet, 

But  neyer  can  I  place,  though  sure  the  rod, 

On  Hainan's  brow  the  crown  that 's  due  to  God. 

High  Heayen  approved  the  deed  ;  and  God  outspread 

His  guardian  pinions  o'er  His  servant's  head. 

The  Jew  has  ta'en  his  fixed,  unshaken  stand, 

Against  his  roval  master's  firm  command. 

The  officers  of  state  to  Hainan's  court 

Repair,  and  make  a  full,  and  clear  report ; 

To  know  if  Mordecai's  religious  cause 

Shall  stand  above  his  king's  and  country's  laws. 

When  the  vain  glorious  courtier  heard  and  knew, 

That  he  who  bowed  not  was  a  pious  Jew, 

His  soul  was  full  of  wrath  ;  and  knowing  well 

That  the  same  feeling  ruled  in  Israel, 

He  scorned  the  death  alone  of  Mordecai, 

But  doomed  the  nation  by  the  sword  to  die. 

Deep  in  his  heart  the  awful  purpose  lies, 

To  ofTer  up  in  one  great  sacrifice 


62  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  J  ewisn  race,  that  all  may  know  the  might 
Of  Israel's  constant  foe,  the  Amalekite. 

Thus  Hainan's  sonl  with  vengeful  passion  burns, 

And  now  to  work  his  ends  his  fiery  spirit  turns. 

The  heathen  oracle  shall  set  the  time 

To  execute  the  dark,  the  vast  design. 

The  ministers  of  state  the  lots  display, 

To  find  the  auspicious  month — the  auspicious  day. 

The  lot  has  set  far  off  the  destined  hour ; 

But  Hainan  bows  to  high  controlling  power. 

The  time  arranged,  the  favorite  courtier  stands 

Before  the  throne,  to  obtain  the  king's  commands, 

The  royal  order,  and  the  sealed  decree, 

To  bring  about  the  awful  massacre. 

"  O  king,  within  thy  provinces  are  found 

A  certain  race,  scattered,  dispersed  around  ; 

With  laws  that  differ  from  the  Persian  laws, 

And  rites  injurious  to  the  public  cause. 

A  race  that  do  not  honor,  or  fulfill 

The  royal  statutes,  or  the  sovereign  will. 

Our  king's  and  country's  welfare  now  demands 

The  race  should  perish  from  the  Persian  lands. 

That  they  may  be  destroyed  a  writing  seal. 

Our  nation's  glory,  and  our  country's  weal, 

Shall  far  extended  be,  and  I  will  bring 

Ten  thousand  talents  to  enrich  the  king." 


ESTHER.  63 

The  prayer  is  granted,  and  the  ring  is  given. 
How  strange  are  thy  decrees,  O  God  of  Heaven ! 
The  greatest  monarch  on  earth's  proudest  throne 
Has  given  thy  flock  to  Hammedatha's  son, 
The  Agagite,  and  he  will  flash  his  sword 
In  triumph  in  the  people  of  the  Lord  ! 
Stand  still  and  see  the  works  that  God  will  do, 
To  crush  th'  oppressor,  and  exalt  the  Jew. 

The  royal  orders,  shaped  with  artful  care, 

The  scribes  of  Ham  an  skillfully  prepare. 

In  Ahasuerus'  name  the  writing  ran, 

Sealed  with  the  ring  of  state  in  proud  Shushan. 

To  every  province  of  the  vast  domain 

The  king's  unchangeable  commandment  came ; 

Came  to  the  civil  rulers,  small  and  great ; 

To  soldiers,  captains,  officers  of  state ; 

Came  to  the  various  tribes  in  every  land 

From  Ethiopia  to  the  Indian  strand ; 

Came  charging  all,  on  one  appointed  day, 

"Not  sparing  age,  or  sex,  or  rank,  to  slay 

The  Jewish  race,  and  all  their  substance  hold, 

The  soldiers'  portion,  and  the  spoilers'  gold. 

The  bloody  edict  spreads  abroad,  yea  flies, 

Awaking  wrath,  and  fears,  and  agonies. 

In  Shushan  terror  reigns ;  both  foe  and  friend, 

Perplexed,  stand  wondering  where  the  scene  will  end, 


64  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

"While  Haman  and  the  king,  to  waste  the  time, 
Enjoy  the  feast  and  sit  o'er  civps  of  wine. 

But  oh !  the  grief  of  pious  Mordecai ! 

What  crushing  burdens  on  his  spirit  lie. 

And  still  his  noble  nature  will  espouse 

In  public  places,  Judah's  righteous  cause. 

He  rends  his  robes,  and  fearlessly  appears 

Abroad  in  sackcloth,  clothed  and  bathed  in  tears ; 

And  walking  Shushan's  streets,  he  lifts  on  high 

His  prayers  to  God  in  bitter  agony. 

All  o'er  the  land,  in  that  most  trying  hour, 

The  sons  of  Judah  fasting,  wailing,  pour 

Their  cries  to  Heaven,  and  weeping  hearts  o'erflow 

"With  penitential  griefs,  and  tears  of  woe. 

The  attendant  maids  and  chamberlains  espy, 

Before  the  gate,  the  faithful  Mordecai, 

In  sackcloth  clothed,  and  having  seen, 

Report  the  matter  to  the  pious  queen. 

Fair  Esther,  moved  by  sympathetic  care, 
To  sooth  his  sorrows,  and  his  burdens  share, 
Sent  change  of  raiment,  that  her  friend  may  wait, 
"With  cheerful  heart,  within  the  palace  gate. 

The  robes  of  gladness  Mordecai  denies, 

And  wears  the  token  of  his  agonies, 

And  Esther  judged,  that  some  o'erwhelming  rod 

Rests  on  her  kindred,  or  the  sons  of  God. 


ESTHER.  65 

Oh  !  for  the  power  to  fly  on  wings  of  love 

And  meet  the  mourner,  and  his  sorrows  prove. 

~No  power  is  given.     The  Persian  monarch's  wives 

Are  held  in  bands  of  awful  jealousies. 

A  chosen  chamberlain  is  charged  to  bear 

Her  tender  message  to  her  kindred's  ear, 

And  strict  inquiries  make,  that  she  may  know 

The  cause  of  Mordecai's  excessive  woe. 

The  chosen  chamberlain,  well  pleased  to  wait 

On  Esther,  finds  the  Jew  beyond  the  gate 

In  sackcloth  clothed,  and  said :  "  The  queen  would 

know 
The  cause  of  Mordecai's  excessive  woe  ? " 
"  Go  tell  the  queen  how  Hammedatha's  son, 
Proud  Hainan,  sits  beside  the  royal  throne, 
Receiving  reverence  by  the  king's  decree, 
And  Mordecai  refused  to  bow  the  knee. 
Tell  how  the  oppressor  gained  the  king's  command 
To  slay  the  Jews  who  dwell  in  every  land  ; 
And  promised,  when  the  deed  was  done,  to  bring 
Ten  thousand  talents  to  enrich  the  king. 
Go  show  this  bloody  scroll  that  sets  the  day, 
'Not  sparing  age,  or  sex,  or  rank,  to  slay 
The  Jewish  race,  and  all  their  substance  hold, 
The  soldiers'  portion,  and  the  spoilers'  gold. 
Go  charge  the  queen  before  the  king  t'  appear, 
And  pour  her  melting,  supplicating  prayer 


66  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

To  change  the  sovereign's  will,  and  lead  the  king 
To  grant  relief,  and  to  her  people  safety  bring." 

The  appointed  messenger  makes  haste  to  bear 

The  thrilling  news  to  Esther's  waiting  ear  ; 

"And  quick  brings  back  the  anxious  queen's  reply, 

That  wakes  anew  the  griefs  of  Mordecai. 

"  No  one  on  pain  of  death  may  e'er  resort 

To  meet  the  king  within  the  inner  court ; 

"When  venturing  there  uncalled,  life  trembling  stands, 

As  waves  the  scepter  in  the  sovereign's  hands. 

No  call  for  thirty  days  has  come  to  me, 

To  stand  before  the  royal  majesty  ; 

A  gleam  of  hope  alone  have  I  to  place 

My  life  upon  the  king's  uncertain  grace." 

Queen  Esther's  words  are  told  to  Mordecai, 
And  messengers  are  charged  with  this  reply ; 
"  Think  not  within  the  royal  house  to  stand, 
"When  the  wild  judgment  passes  o'er  the  land. 
The  sword  that  seeks  the  blood  of  all  our  race 
"Will  find  the  queen  within  her  hiding  place. 
Should  Esther  hold  her  peace  in  this  dark  hoar, 
Our  father's  God,  the  God  whom  we  adore, 
Will  stand  on  Judah's  side,  a  shield  and  rock, 
And  give  enlargement  to  his  suffering  flock  ; 
And  as  redemption  to  the  Jews  shall  rise, 
Thy  father's  house  shall  fall  a  sacrifice  ; 


ESTHEB.  67 


And  who  can  tell  but  God  has  raised  thee  high 
A  saviour  in  this  hour  of  agony  !  " 


The  advocate  prevails.     Fair  Esther  yearns 

For  Judah's  good,  and  thus  her  word  returns. 

"  Go  gather  all  the  Jews  who  now  are  found, 

Mourning  within  the  royal  city's  bound 

And  keep  a  fast  for  me.     Three  days  and  nights 

In  strictest  form  observe  the  solemn  rites. 

I  and  my  maids  will  keep  the  holy  fast ; 

And  when  the  days  of  tears  and  prayers  are  passed ; 

When  God  is  honored,  and  our  spirits  cling 

To  one  who  sits  above  the  Persian  king, 

Uncalled,  unguarded,  and  alone,  I  '11  stand      . 

And  trust  the  scepter  in  the  sovereign's  hand. 

And  if  I  perish,  thro'  my  country's  laws, 

I  '11  perish  in  my  people's  righteous  cause." 

The  queen  has  clothed  her  soul  in  heavenly  dress, 
In  robes  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  holiness  : 

Has  brightened  all  her  gems  of  grace  that  shine 
Inimitable,  pure,  like  things  divine. 
And  now  she  clothes  her  form  of  heavenly  mould 
In  royal  robes,  inwrought  with  flowers  of  gold ; 
Casts  o'er  her  rich  attire  her  veil  more  white 
Tli an  new  fallen  snow,  and  dazzling  as  the  light;    ' 
"With  diamonds  fills  her  folded  locks,  and  now 
She  sets  the  crown  upon  her  polished  brow, 


t)0  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

And  sheds  o'er  all  a  shower  of  rich  perfume ; 
And  Esther  stands  like  beauty  in  full  bloom, 
Prepared  by  inward  grace,  and  outward  charms, 
To  fold  the  sovereign  in  her  fragrant  arms. 

The  king  is  crowned  upon  the  ivory  throne. 
With  gold  and  gems  the  royal  vestments  shone. 
In  dreadful  majesty  he  fills  the  seat, 
"While  jeweled  statesmen  worship  at  his  feet. 
The  splendid  hall,  the  throne,  the  king,  the  whole 
Were  awe-inspiring  to  the  trembling  soul. 

'T  was  just  the  hour  of  evening  sacrifice, 
When  Judah's  prayers  and  incense  reached  the  skies ; 
When  Esther,  heaven-supported,  passed  the  door. 
Her  face  was  radiant,  while  her  heart  was  sore, 
And  stood  before  the  throne,  calm  and  serene, 
The  peerless  beauty,  and  the  enchanting  queen. 
Tli'  enraptured  king  gave  one  impassioned  look, 
And  from  its  place  the  golden  scepter  took 
And  held  it  forth.     That  golden  shining  form 
Was  like  the  rainbow  beaming  in  the  storm. 
The  queen  dissolved  in  bliss,  in  all  her  charms, 
Sinks  overpowered  within  her  husband's  arms. 
The  joy  was  mutual,  and  a  power  unseen 
Was  near  to  favor  Persia's  pious  queen. 
The  king  on  Esther  fixed  his  eager  look, 
Embraced  his  spouse,  and  thus  in  kindness  spoke : 


ESTHER.  69 

"  Why  does  Queen  Esther  anxiously  resort 
To  meet  the  king  within  the  inner  court  ? 
What  are  the  burdens  that  oppress  thy  breast  ? 
What  thy  petitions  ?     What  thy  great  request  ? 
The  king  will  hear  and  answer  all  thy  prayer ; 
The  queen  shall  half  my  royal  kingdom  share." 

Fair  Esther,  cleaving  to  the  sovereign's  side, 

In  gentle  tones  thus  modestly  replied  : 

"  The  king  is  gracious  :  let  it  please  my  lord 

To  sit  with  Hainan  at  my  evening  board, 

And  share  the  pleasures  of  the  genial  feast. 

The  king  shall  come — Hainan  the  honored  guest." 

The  king  well  pleased  the  favored  noble  calls, 
To  feast  with  Esther  in  her  private  halls. 
The  food,  the  wine,  and  female  charms,  excite 
Most  joyful  feelings  on  that  banquet  night. 
Fair  Esther's  blandishments  of  love  had  power 
To  win,  and  conquer,  in  that  genial  hour. 

"What  cares,  Queen  Esther,  fill  thy  anxious  breast? 
What,  thy  petition  ?     What  thy  great  request  ? 
The  king  will  hear  and  answer  all  thy  prayer  ; 
The  queen  shall  half  my  royal  kingdom  share." 

"  Most  gracious  is  my  lord.     The  king  can  roll 
The  heavy  burden  from  his  handmaid's  soul. 
Be  this,  O  king,  the  pleasing,  hopeful  sign. 
Again  with  Haman  share  my  feast  of  wine. 


70  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

To  morrow  I  will  make  my  burden  known, 
And  bow  a  suppliant  at  the  sovereign  throne." 

Hainan  was  joyful  on  that  festive  day ; 
Proudly  he  left  the  banquet  to  display 
At  home  his  honors,  and  his  friends  to  greet, 
Assembled  at  his  sumptuous,  princely  seat. 
He  passed  the  palace  gate,  and  when  he  saw 
That  Mordecai  refused  the  royal  law, 
His  wrath  was  roused  to  burning,  deadly  hate. 
And  still  he  curbed  his  ire,  resolved  to  wait 
The  coming  of  the  appointed  hour,  when  all 
The  race  of  Mordecai  in  death  should  fall. 
Arrived  at  home,  the  haughty  Haman  calls 
His  favored  friends  within  his  princely  halls ; 
Speaks  of  his  wealth,  his  honors,  high  estate, 
And  how  the  princes,  nobles,  on  him  wait. 
Tells  how  the  king  has  set  his  royal  throne 
O'er  all  the  counselors,  and  near  his  own. 
And  Haman  said :  "  Queen  Esther  too  delights 
To  share  with  me  the  genial,  festive  rites. 
I  and  the  king  this  day  were  called  to  join 
Her  social  banquet,  and  her  feast  of  wine. 
To-morrow  am  I  called  to  grace  the  board 
With  happy  Esther,  and  her  happier  lord. 
But  what  avail  these  honors,  when  I  know 
That  Mordecai  to  Haman  will  not  bow  ? " 


ESTHEE.  71 

Zeresh,  of  kindred  feeling,  and  who  shares 
Her  husband's  honors,'  and  relieves  his  cares, 
And  chosen,  willing  servants,  make  reply : 
"  Erect  this  hour  full  fifty  cubits  high 
The  cross,  and  ask  at  morn  of  majesty, 
To  hang  the  Jew  upon  the  gallows  tree. 
Then  with  the  king  go  merrily  and  join 
Queen  Esther's  banquet,  and  her  feast  of  wine." 

That  night  the  king  was  restless  on  his  bed. 

His  heart  was  wakeful,  weary  was  his  head. 

Sleep  like  a  shadow  flits  before  his  eyes ; 

The  king  pursues  it,  and  the  shadow  flies. 

The  books  of  state  are  read  to  soothe  the  king, 

And  o'er  his  restless  frame  soft  slumbers  brinor : 

And  Providence  directs  the  recorder's  eye 

To  read  the  worthy  acts  of  Mordecai, 

How  he  had  saved  the  king,  and  saved  the  state, 

When  men  of  blood,  who  kept  the  palace  gate, 

In  ambush  lay,  watching  their  time  to  spring 

Like  thirsty  tigers  on  the  unguarded  king. 

How  he  had  foiled  their  schemes,  and  brought  the 

wheels 
Of  righteous  judgment  on  the  criminals. 
And  as  the  reader  closed  the  written  roll, 
Soft  slumbers  o'er  the  royal  sleeper  stole ; 
And  as  he  slept,  the  inward  waking  eye 
Still  saw  the  deeds  of  faithful  Mordecai. 


72 


SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


The  morn  has  dawned.     Ahasuerus  calls 

His  servants  round  him  in  his  splendid  halls. 

The  king  inquires :  "  "What  honors  have  been  shown 

To  Mordecai,  who  saved  the  royal  throne  ?  " 

"  Nothing,  O  king."    "  Who  at  this  early  hour 

Is  in  the  Court?  What  man  of  princely  power? " 

At  early  morn  revengeful  Haman  stands 
Without  the  gate,  to  gain  the  king's  commands, 
Upon  the  gallows  fifty  cubits  high, 
To  hang  that  day  the  faithful  Mordecai. 

His  servants  spoke :  "  Haman,  O  king,  appears 
Without  the  court,  the  chief  of  all  the  peers." 
"  Bid  Haman  enter."     Haman,  filled  with  pride, 
Stands  self-exalted  by  his  sovereign's  side. 
"  What  dignity  shall  crown  the  man  who  shares 
The  king's  esteem  ?  What  honors  shall  he  wear  ?  " 

Yain  Haman  thought  that  he,  and  he  alone, 

Was  best  beloved,  as  nearest  to  the  throne. 

And  whom,  thought  he,  can  Persia's  king  delight 

To  honor,  save  his  chosen  favorite. 

And  Haman  said :  "  The  happy  man  who  shares 

The  king's  esteem,  and  royal  honor  wears, 

Shall  have  this  triumph,  worthy  of  his  name, 

A  lasting  honor,  and  a  wide-spread  fame. 

The  king's  most  noble  prince  shall  hither  bring 

The  gorgeous  garments  of  the  illustrious  king ; 


ESTHER 


73 


The  royal  horse,  the  scepter,  and  the  crown ; 

And  reverently,  humbly  bowing  down, 

On  horseback  forth  shall  bring  the  happy  man 

Through  all  the  streets  and  squares  of  proud  Shushan, 

Proclaiming :  Thus  shall  dignity  be  .shown 

To  him  whom  royalty  delights  to  own." 

The  king,  who  held  an  unresisted  sway, 
"Was  firm ;  e'en  Hainan  dared  not  disobev. 

The  horse  stands  restive  at  the  palace  gate ; 
The  humble  Jew  is  clothed  in  royal  state ; 
The  crown  is  set  upon  his  noble  brow ; 
Officious  chamberlains  before  him  bow, 
And  Mordecai  on  horseback  rides  adroad, 
Preceded  by  that  proud  and  haughty  lord, 
Proclaiming :  "  Thus  shall  dignity  be  shown 
To  him  whom  royalty  delights  to  own." 
And  as  the  imposing  pageantry  passed  by, 
The  people  hailed  the  name  of  Mordecai. 
All  o'er  the  land  the  joyful  tidings  flew 
Of  Hainan's  fall,  and  triumph  of  the  Jew. 

To  Mordecai  these  scenes  no  pleasures  bring. 

Humbly  he  seeks  his  post,  and  serves  his  king. 

But  Haman  mourning,  and  with  covered  face, 

Returned  in  anguish  to  his  princely  place ; 

And  all  dismayed,  dejected,  and  forlorn, 

Made  known  the  doings  of  that  dreadful  morn. 
4 


74 


SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 


With  equal  wonder,  and  with  equal  fear, 

His  consort  listens,  and  his  wise  men  hear ; 

And  spouse,  and  friends,  thro'  these  dark  signs  descry 

The  fall  of  Haman,  and  the  rise  of  Mordecai ; 

And  thus  they  said :    "  Thy .  cherished  scheme  can 

n'er  prevail 
Against  the  seed  of  God,  the  race  of  Israel." 

And  as  they  talked,  the  servants  of  the  king 
Approached  the  hall  with  hurried  steps,  to  bring 
The  minister  of  state  forthwith  to  join 
Queen  Esther's  banquet,  and  her  feast  of  wine. 

The  queen  was  lovely  in  the  monarclrs  eye. 
The  wine  cup  sparkled,  and  the  feast  ran  high. 
The  time  was  genial ;  happy  was  the  hour ; 
And  n'er  did  beauty's  charm  and  virtue's  power 
Subdue  the  heart,  and  hold  such  gentle  sway, 
As  Esther's  graces  on  that  banquet  day. 
The  king  enraptured  fed  his  eager  look 
On  her  bright  charms,  and  thus  in  transport  spoke  : 
"  What  cares,  Queen  Esther,  fill  thy  anxious  breast  ? 
What  thy  petition  ?    What  thy  great  request  ? 
The  king  will  hear,  and  answer  all  thy  prayer  ; 
The  queen  shall  half  my  royal  kingdom  share." 

And  Esther  answered,  filled  with  reverence  due, 
Her  actions  humble,  while  her  words  were  few : 


E  B  T  II  E B  .  75 

"  Most  gracious  is  my  loid.     The  king  can  roll 

The  heavy  burden  from  his  handmaid's  soul. 

Oh  !  spare  my  life — my  mourning  people  spare ! 

This  my  petition :  this  my  anxious  prayer : 

For  we  are  sold.     I  and  my  people  all 

On  one  appointed  day  are  doomed  to  fall. 

Had  we  to  bondage  been  delivered  up, 

Our  bleeding  lips  had  drank  that  bitter  cup. 

But  still  the  oppressor's  gold  could  n'er  replace 

The  absence  of  our  peaceful,  faithful  race. 

But,  oh !  when  death's  bright  scythe  is  hanging  o'er 

My  own,  and  people's  heads,  I  must  implore. 

Oh  !  spare  my  life — my  mourning  people  spare  ! 

This  my  petition :  this  my  anxious  prayer." 

4-  Who,  who,  O  queen,  can  dare  this  deed  to  do? " 
"  The  enemy,  the  oppressor  of  the  Jew," 
TJie  calm,  the  heaven,  supported  queen  replied, 
u  Is  here  ;  this  wicked  Haman  at  thy  side." 

The  man  of  blood  before  that  gentle  eye 
Recoiled,  as  smitten  by  the  power  on  high ; 
While  "all  the  memories  of  the  bloody  scroll 
Arose  afresh  within  the  sovereign's  soul. 
He  seeks  his  garden,  there,  perplexed,  he  stands, 
And  wonders  at  his  own  unjust  commands. 
And  now  in  wrath  he  scorned  the  artful  man 
Who  won  his  grace  to  aid  his  subtle  plan, 


76  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

To  slay  his  subjects,  and  disgrace  his  name, 

Destroy  his  queen,  and  clothe  his  realm  with  shame. 

Proud  Haman,  conscience  stricken,  filled  with  dread, 

Saw  judgments  gathering  o'er  his  guilty  head; 

And  prayed  the  queen,  with  angonizing  cry, 

To  spare  his  life,  though  justly  doomed  to  die. 

The  king  returned,  and  at  Queen  Esther's  feet, 

Now  fallen  prostrate  on  her  festive  seat, 

He  saw  the  suppliant,  and  in  wrath  he  said : 

"  Will  Haman  now  pollute  Queen  Esther's  bed?  " 

And  as  he  spake,  the  attendant  servants  place 

The  well  known  sign  of  death  on  Haman's  face, 

And  said :  "  The  gallows  fifty  cubits  high 

We  saw  this  morn  prepared  for  Mordecai. 

Behold,  in  Haman's  public  court  it  stands ; 

We  wait  to  know  the  king's  most  just,  commands." 

The  sovereign  spake :  "  Be  this  my  fixed  decree  ; 

Hang  Haman,  wicked  Haman,  on  that  gallows  tree." 

The  judgment  given,  the  ministers  of  state 

Who  guard  the  law,  and  on  the  sovereign  wait, 

Haman  suspend  full  fifty  cubits  high 

Upon  the  tree  prepared  for  Mordecai. 

The  voice  of  mourning,  and  the  voice  of  prayer, 

Has  reached  anew  Jehovah's  gracious  ear ; 

And  God  exalted  moves  in  majesty 

Again  to  set  his  chosen  people  free. 

Eternal  justice  magnifies  the  laws, 

And  Heaven  protects  his  people's  righteous  cause. 


ESTHER.  77 

On  that  triumphant  day  the  king  bestows 
On  Esther  Hainan's  wealth  and  princely  house. 
And  Mordecai,  by  Esther's  order,  holds 
The  vast  estate,  and  all  the  honse  controls. 
On  that  auspicious  day  the  queen  made  known 
How  Mordecai  received  her  as  his  own, 
An  orphan  child,  and  reared  her  up  to  share 
In  him  a  father's  love,  a  brother's  care. 

The  king  was  generous ;  and  his  servants  call 

The  Jew  to  meet  him  in  the  inner  hall. 

And  there,  where  priuces  stood,  and  jewels  shone, 

The  king,  reposing  on  the  ivory  throne, 

'  Mid  peers,  and  counselors  exalted  high, 

Bestowed  the  ring  of  state  on  Mordecai. 

The  deed  is  done.     The  joyful  tidings  ran 

Thro'  all  the  streets  and  squares  of  proud  Shushan. 

The  deed  is  done.     Such  honors  shall  be  shown 

To  him  whom  royalty  delights  to  own. 

The  Jews'  great  adversary  now  is  dead. 
JSTo  sword  shall  cleave  the  guarded  Esther's  head. 
The  faithful  man  who  guides  th'  affairs  of  state 
Has  all  a  kinsman's  heart  for  Judah's  fate. 
But  oh  !    the  bloody  scroll  o'er  all  the  land, 
From  Ethiopia  to  the  Indian  stand, 
Is  calling  bitter  enemies  to  rise 
And  offer  up  in  one  great  sacrifice 


78  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  Jewish  race,  and  all  their  substance  hold, 

The  soldier's  portion,  and  the  oppressor's  gold. 

The  queen  has  gained  her  life.     Her  people  share 

The  holier  feelings,  and  her  greater  care. 

And,  oh !  her  heart  will  break  with  agony, 

To  see  her  nation  and  her  kindred  die. 

Again,  uncalled,  unguarded,  and  alone, 

Queen  Esther  falls  before  the  royal  throne, 

All  bathed  with  flowing  tears,  all  desolate, 

A  willing  sacrifice  for  Judah's  fate. 

The  extended  scepter  saved  her  from  the  laws, 

And  Esther  rose  to  plead  her  people's  cause. 

"  Most  gracious  king,  thou  bidst  thy  handmaid  rise, 

Because  thy  spouse  is  precious  in  thy  eyes ; 

Thou  bidst  me  live  because  our  spirits  blend ; 

Thou  art  my  lord,  and  I  thy  chosen  friend  ; 

Thou  lov'st  me  well:  Oh!  hear  my  anxious  prayer. 

Relieve  my  sorrows,  and  my  burdens  bear. 

Thy  honor  calls  thee,  and  thy  love  for  me : 

Oh,  stay  the  force  of  that  most  strange  decree, 

Devised  by  Hammed atha's  son,  to  slay 

The  Jewish  race  on  one  appointed  day. 

My  heart  will  break  to  see -my  people  fall. 

Young  men,  and  maidens,  fathers,  mothers,  all 

Like  sheep  for  slaughter.     Oh  !  the  agony  : 

Thy  Esther  cannot  live  to  see  her  kindred  die !  " 

I 


ESTHEK.  79 

The  prayer  was  hard  to  grant.     The  stern  decree, 
In  name  and  seal  of  royal  majesty, 
Unchangeable  remains  :  and  still  the  cry 
Of  Esther,  and  his  faithful  Mordecai, 
Has  overcoming  power,  and  to  their  hands 
The  gracious  king  commits  his  new  commands  : 
"  Be  this  the  order  from  the  sovereign  throne, 
"Which  all  the  provinces  shall  hear  and  own. 
The  Jews  shall  gather  on  the  appointed  day, 
Prepared  with  sword  and  spear,  in  dread  array ; 
And  cause  to  perish  all  their  foes  who  bring 
Their  arms  against  the  subjects  of  the  king." 

The    scribes    are    called.      And    now    from   proud 

Shushan 
To  all  the  provinces  the  statute  ran  : 
To  nobles,  captains,  ministers  of  state  ; 
To  soldiers,  governors,  to  small  and  great, 
Proclaiming  every  where  :  "  The  Jews  shall  stand, 
And  meet  their  enemies  with  sword  in  hand  ; 
And  cause  to  perish  all  their  foes  who  bring 
Their  arms  against  the  subjects  of  the  king. 

The  Jews  receive  with  joy  the  new  decree, 
And  all  their  souls  overflow  with   ecstacy. 
Their  fears  remove,  their  mourning  weeds  cast  by, 
They  hail  with  pride  the  name  of  Mordecai. 


.    80  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Arrayed  in  royal  dress  of  white  and  bine 
And  purple  robes,  and  golden  crown,  the  Jew, 
The  chancelor  of  state,  appears  with  grace, 
The  joy  and  honor  of  his  native  place. 
And  day  by  day,  by  righteous  deeds,  his  fame 
Grows  stronger,  brighter,  till  his  worthy  name 
Is  loved,  and  feared,  and  felt,  o'er  all  the  land 
.  Where  Ahasuerus  holds  his  wide  command. 
The  Jews  are  honored  as  his  fame  extends. 
The  king's  most  faithful,  peaceful,  virtuous  friends 
Rejoice,  and  God  has  turned  the  darkest  night 
Of  Judah's  gloom  to  morning's  purest  light. 

Still  Zion's  foes  will  gird  their  armor  on ; 
Obey  the  scroll  of  Hammedatha's  son  : 
And  rush  uncalled,  save  by  the  call  of  hell, 
Against  the  guardian  shield  of  Israel. 
But  Judah's  warriors,  heaven  inspired,  will  stand 
Beneath  the  covering  of  the  Almighty's  hand, 
And  fighting  for  their  lives — their  homes,  will  slay 
Their  tens  of  thousands  on  that  awful  day. 

The  day  of  blood  has  come.     In  every  land  . 
Where  Persia's  king  extends  his  wide  command, 
The  scattered  Jews  consolidate  their  power ; 
And  all  that  day  of  strife,  from  hour  to  hour, 
From  Shushan  to  the  empire's  utmost  bound, 
The  clash  of  arms,  the  notes  of  war  resound. 


ESTHER 


81 


On  that  dread  day  the  hosts  of  Judah  stand 
Victorious  o'er  the  foe  in  every  land ; 
And  all  the  realm  rejoiced,  and  raised  on  high 
The  song  to  Esther's  God,  and  God  of  Alordecai. 

The  eternal  Shepherd  has  secured  his  flock. 

They  rest  again  beneath  the  shadowy  rock. 

Along  the  flowing  stream  in  peace  they  roam, 

Though  exiled  from  their  long  beloved  home. 

On  earth,  from  time  to  time,  they  feel  the  rod, 

But  have  their  everlasting  rest  in  God. 

Oh  tune  your  harps,  ye  sons  of  Judah  ;  singr 

In  days  of  light  the  triumphs  of  your  Xing. 

And  as  ye  keep  the  feast  of  jot,  and  raise 

To  God  your  hearts  in  gratitude  and  praise, 

Oh  place  the  fragrant  laurel,  ever  green, 

On  Esther's  brow,  the  radiant,  pious  queen ; 

And  in  your  hearts  embalm  the  name  that  n'er  can 

die, 
The  worthy  name  of  faithful,  righteous  ITordecai. 


JACOB. 


A  PARAPHRASE  OF  THE   HISTORY  OF  JACOB. 


The  readers  of  the  Bible  are  always  deeply  interested  by 
the  perusal  of  the  histories  of  the  three  distinguished 
patriarchs,  Abraham,  Isaac,  aud  Jacob.  Their  antiquity,  the 
simplicity  of  their  lives,  the  promises  given  through  them  to 
the  world,  and  the  various  providences  of  God  which  attend- 
ed them  through  their  earthly  journey  to  their  heavenly 
home,  produce  the  liveliest  emotion,  impart  the  richest 
instruction,  and  afford  the  sweetest  consolation  to  the 
Christian  mind.  No  person  has  sat  down  to  the  careful 
reading  of  the  blended  lives  of  Abraham,  the  father  of  the 
faithful,  and  his  beautiful  companion  Sarah,  the  pattern  of 
all  Christian  wives ;  of  the  mingled  histories  of  Isaac  and 
his  chaste  Rebecca ;  and  the  almost  romantic  stories  of  Jacob 
and  his  fair  and  beloved  shepherdess  Rachel,  without  feeling 
that  he  was  holding  communion  with  persons  in  whom  he 
became  deeply  interested,  and  whose  characters  he  knew 
were  drawn  by  a  Divine  pen.  Whatever  writings  may  have 
a    tendency  to  produce  on   the  canvas  of  the  mind    the 

(82) 


JACOB.  83 

lineaments  of  these  distinguished  men,  I  consider  highly 
profitable.  I  have  presented,  in  a  connected  form,  the 
striking  scenes  in  the  life  of  the  patriarch  Jacob,  and  I  shall 
be  satisfied  if  the  reader  shall  peruse  again  and  again  the 
inimitable  history  as  written  by  the  inspired  penman.  The 
life  of  Jacob  is  so  intimately  -woven  with  the  life  of  his 
father  Isaac,  that  it  is  difficult  to  write  a  poem  of  any  con- 
siderable length  without  blending  to  some  extent  the  history 
of  both  individuals.  The  Paraphrase,  however,  will  give  a 
connected  chain  of  incidents  in  the  life  of  the  patriach  Jacob, 
from  his  first  appearance  in  Bible  story,  to  the  death  of  his 
father  Isaac,  which  occurred  shortly  after  Joseph  was  sold 
into  Egypt. 

There  ?s  grief  within  the  patriarchal  tent. 

The  aged  Isaac  and  Rebecca  feel 

The  chastening  hand  of  God.     The  hunters  horn 

Has  sounded,  and  the  wrath  of  Esau  burns 

To  drink  his  brother's  blood.     The  bow  is  bent. 

A  pilgrim  Jacob  wandered  forth  to  elude 

The  fatal  shaft. 

'T  was  long  ago  the  Spirit 
Whispered  to  the  faithful  friend  of  God  :  ';  Thy  seed 
Like  leaves  of  autumn  and  like  stars  of  heaven 
Shall.be  ;  "  and  Isaac,  promise  born,  arose 
The  crown  of  Abraham  and  Sarah's  joy. 
The  promise  tarried  long  ere  Isaac  did 
The  chaste  Eebecca  wed.     In  marriage  bonds 


84  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Full  twenty  years  did  fair  Kebecca  wait 
Ere  in  the  sky  a  second  star  appeared. 
'T  was  then,  in  answer  to  her  prayer  of  faith, 
The  great  Reveal er  to  his  handmaid  said : 
"  Of  thee  two  nations  shall  arise,  diverse 
And  opposite,  and  each  shall  be  renowned. 
Thy  seed  the  great  progenitors  shall  be. 
The  elder  brother  shall  the  younger  serve." 
A  roving  hunter  Esau  was.     His  bow 
And  quiver  on  his  shoulder  hung,  and  oft 
The  wilderness  was  vocal  with  his  song. 
A  herdsman  Jacob,  peaceable  and  mild ; 
To  tend  the  flocks  was  his  delight,  and  dwell 
Content  around  the  patriarchal  home. 
Boyhood  had  ripend  into  manly  youth, 
And  each  revealed  his  separate  taste  and  skill, 
Creating  rivalries  in  parents'  hearts, 
Alike  their  own  and  children's  good  to  harm. 
Domestic  virtues,  joined  with  godly  walk, 
Had  won  and  fixed  the  mother's  partial  love, 
And  Jacob  was  Rebecca's  favorite  son. 
The  hunter  claimed  the  father's  erring  heart ; 
Eor  Isaac  loved  the  banquet  Esau  made, 
"When  coming  weekly  from  th'  exciting  chase. 

The  setting  sun  was  sinking  in  the  heaven. 
All  day  in  distant  woods  the  hunter's  horn 


JACOB.  85 

"Was  heard.     The  startled,  timid  deer 

Had  fled  to  the  deep  thicket  of  the  wood 

Unusual.     God's  peculiar  providence 

Ordained  that  Esau's  bow  that  day  should  prove, 

In  vain.     Wearied  and  faint,  his  quiver  now 

A  heavy  load,  the  elder  born  approached 

The  tent.     A  simple  meal  on  Jacob's  board 

Was  placed ;  and  on  that  day  did  Esau  sell 

His  birthright  of  preeminence,  by  oath 

And  covenant  sealed,  the  price  of  heavenly  things 

One  meal  of  earth's  unsatisfying  bread. 

The  act  was  sinful.     God's  eternal  plan 

Was  now  unfolding :  "  Jacob  have  I  loved, 

But  Esau  I  have  hated." 

Years  have  rolled 
Away.     The  patriarch's  eye  is  dim  with  age. 
He  thinks  ere  long  of  resting  in  his  grave. 
Heir  of  the  covenant,  and  moved  of  God, 
The  prophet  Isaac  now  would  bless  his  sons. 
'T  was  in  the  hour  of  solemn  sacrifice, 
"When  holy  worship  mellowed  every  heart, 
That  Isaac  called  the  first  born  son  with  words 
Of  deep  affection.     Robed  in  the  goodly  dress 
Of  priesthood,  at  the  altar  Esau  stood. 
The  patriarch  would  mingle  with  the  rite 
Of  benediction  savory  food,  alike 
The  hunter's  and  his  own  peculiar  taste 
To  please.     "  My  years  of  pilgrimage  will  soon 


86  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Be  ended.     Take  thy  quiver  and  thy  bow, 

And  from  the  forest  wood  procure  the  meal 

Thy  father  loves,  and  I  will  eat  and  bless 

Thee  ere  I  die."     The  hunter  's  on  the  chase. 

God's  promise  to  Rebecca  fills  her  heart : 

"  The  elder  shall  the  younger  serve."     But  oh ! 

She  could  not  wait  for  Providence  to  act, 

And  in  her  haste  the  patriarchal  home 

Is  filled  with  sin,  and  overwhelmed  with  woe. 

O'erlooking  wisdom's  plan  of  argument, 

Or  love's  persuasive  power,  the  good  man's  mind 

To  change,  she  meditates  by  wiles  to  bring 

The  benediction  on  her  favorite  son. 

The  kid  is  killed.     In  liaste  the  savory  meal 

Is  ordered,  and  the  subtle  Jacob,  robed 

In  Esau's  goodly  garment  redolent 

With  perfume,  seeks  with  fear  the  pro])het's  room. 

The  patriarch  strengthened,  and  his  eyes  and  ears 

Deceived,  those  eyes  that  God  had  sealed  in  night, 

The  soul  beholding  clearly  future  scenes, 

With  hesitation  poured  the  blessing  forth 

On  Jacob's  head.     "  Thy  perfumed  robes,  my  son, 

Are  like  the  odors  of  the  field  that 's  blessed 

Of  God.     The  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God 

Of  Isaac,  shall  bestow  on  thee  the  dew 

Of  heaven  ;  the  fatness  of  the  earth ;  and  corn 

And  wine  in  plenty.     People  thee  shall  serve. 


JACOB.  87 

Before  thee  nations  bow.     Thy  lordship  o'er 

Thy  brother  shall  extend,  and  at  thy  feet 

Thy  mother's  sons  shall  wait." 

Hardly  had  Jacob  left  his  father's  side 

"When  Esau  came  in  triumph  of  success 

And  hope.     His  heart  overflows  with  filial  love, 

And  pants  to  gain  the  promised  recompense 

Of  all  his  toil.     TTith  confidence,  and  step 

Of  firmness,  Esau  sought  the  chamber  where 

Th*  exhausted  Isaac  lay.     "  Arise,  arise, 

My  father,  and  partake  the  banquet  made 

Obedient  to  thy  will,  and  bless  thy  son  — 

Thy  elder  born."     A  fearful  trembling  filled 

The  patriarch's  soul,  and  thoughts  came  rushing  o'er 

His  mind,  that  he  was  led  to  counteract 

The  fixed  decree  and  providence  of  God. 

The  shock  was  awful  to  his  troubled  mind  ; 

Yet  all-subdued,  he  bowed  to  heaven's  design. 

"  Thy  brother  's  come.     I  Ye  eaten,  and  I ' ve  made 

Jacob  thy  lord.     With  corn  and  wine  have  I 

Sustained  him.     I  've  blessed  him,  and  he  shall  be 

blessed." 
The  patriarchal  tent  is  filled  with  deep 
And  melting  anguish,  and  the  heaving  breast 
Of  Esau  groans  with  piercing  woe,  and  eyes 
Unused  to  tears  with  burning  tears  o'erflow. 
Long,  long  that  peaceful  chamber  rung 


88  SACKED    PARAPHKASES. 

With  the  deep  lamentation  and  the  cry : 

"  Bless  me,  my  father !     Oh !  my  father,  bless ! " 

The  birthright,  rich  with  heaveniy  mercies,  pledged 

To  Abraham  and  his  seed,  designed  by  God, 

And  now  bestowed  on  Jacob,  none  can  change. 

And  still  the  prophet's  eye  looked  down  on  scenes 

Affecting  Esau  and  his  seed  from  age 

To  age,  and  saw  commingled  times  and  deeds 

Of  various  type,  and  all  of  earthly  kind ; 

And  Isaac  told  the  first  born's  destiny  : 

"  Behold  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and  dew 

Of  heaven  shall  be  thy  dwelling.     By  thy  sword 

Shalt  thou  exist.     Thy  brother  shalt  thou  serve, 

And  seasons  of  dominion  thou  shalt  have, 

"When  from  thy  neck  shall  Jacob's  yoke  be  torn." 

The  scene  is  o'er ;  not  so  the  consequence. 

There 's  sin  on  Jacob's  and  Rebecca's  souls 

That  years  of  chastisement  shall  not  remove. 

In  Isaac's  heart- a  wound  is  bleeding  sore, 

That  time,  and  love,  and  God  alone  can  heal. 

And  Esau's  wrath,  provoked  to  fury,  burns 

To  pour  its  vengeance  on  his  brother's  head. 

Deep  seated  in  his  heart  the  rancor  lives, 

~Nor  long  could  deadly  hate  in  secret  sleep  ; 

And  he,  who  long  ago  was  nourished  up 

By  fond  and  partial  love,  breathed  forth  his  curse : 


JACOB.  89 

M  When  davs  of  mourning  for  raj  father's  death 

Are  o'er,  I  '11  slay  rny  brother." 

There 's  grief  within  the  patriarchal  tent. 

The  aged  Isaac  and  Eebecca  feel 

The  chastening  hand  of  God.     The  hunter's  wrath 

Is  roused,  and  stern  necessity  demands 

The  sacrifice  of  Jacob's  pilgrimage. 

The  patriarch  's  seated  in  his  oaken  chair. 

Commingled  joys  and  sorrows  fill  his  mind. 

Overwhelmed  with  painful  thoughts,  Rebecca  rests 

Her  aching  forehead  on  the  good  man's  arm. 

Before  them  Jacob,  with  deep  reverence  kneels, 

T'  receive  the  benediction,  and  the  prayer ; 

The  farewell  token,  and  the  solemn  charge. 

"With  hope  reposing  on  her  anchor  sure, 

The  oath  and  covenant  of  God,  the  seer 

Looked  down  in  faith  on  Jacob  multiplied 

Like  stars  of  night,  till  the  bright  Morning  Star 

Arose  to  bless  the  world.     He  saw  the  day 

Of  universal  glory  and  was  glad. 

The  Spirit  moved  his  soul  to  prophesy, 

And  Isaac  poured  the  benediction  forth  on  Jacob's 

head  : 
"  The  tribes  of  Canaan  are  accursed  of  God. 
The  holy  seed  in  wedlock  shall  not  join 
With  idol  worshipers.    .  The  distant  house 


90  SACRED  PARAPHRASES, 

Of  Syrian  Laban  seek.     His  daughter  wed, 
Thy  kin  of  Nahor's  ancient  godly  line. 
And  God  Almighty  bless  thee,  and  increase 
Thy  house  in  number  like  the  stars  of  heaven. 
Thy  father  Abraham's  blessing  God  will  give 
To  thee,  and  from  thy  house  the  seed  shall  rise — 
The  universal  world's  Redeemer.     God 
"Will  give  the  land  of  thy  sojcrarning  as 
Thy  heritage  and  home.     The  gift  is  pledged 
To  Abraham  and  his  seed  in  covenant  sure." 
These,  these  are  Isaac's  last  recorded  words 
In  Heaven's  inspired  revealings  to  the  world. 
Full  forty  years  the  patriarch's  joys  and  woes 
Are  veiled  from  mortal  view,  while  from  his  eyes 
The  world,  with  all  its  scenes,  is  quite  shut  out. 
The  venerable  saint,  with  locks  of  snow, 
Sits  year  by  year  within  his  quiet  tent ; 
The  promised  land  is  all  invisible, 
While  faith  beholds  the  better  land  far  off, 
All  bright  with  hues  of  immortality. 
Mysterious  are  thy  ways,  O  God  !  to  man, 
And  yet  'tis  mercy  moves  the  chastening  hand 
To  vail  the  world,  and  spread  through  all  the  soul 
The  richer,  brighter,  happier  things  of  heaven. 
So  God  to  meditative  Isaac  gives 
The  night  that  shows  the  distant  azure  filled 
Resplendent  with  the  rich  celestial  stars. 


JACOB.  91 

The  parting  scene  is  o'er.     Parental  love 

Would  hope  the  time  of  separation  short. 

But  long  the  time  ere  Jacob's  ear  and  touch 

Should  see  his  younger  born  returning  rich 

With  wives,  and  sons,  and  flocks,  a  numerous  train. 

The  sun  is  shining  on  the  mountain's  brow. 
Pensive  and  solitary  Jacob  leaves 
The  long-loved  home,  the  altar,  and  the  Lord ; 
The  hallowed  scenes  of  worship,  and  the  smiles 
And  converse  of  the  patriarchal  tent. 
The  horn  of  oil,  the  shepherd's  staff  and  scrip, 
"Were  all  his  store.     The  wilderness,  where  roamed 
The  savage  beasts,  and  more  than  savage  men, 
Periling  his  life,  stretched  far  before  his  eyes. 
Sad  thoughts  of  fiery  Esau  filled  his  mind 
With  painful  apprehensions ;  and  t'  elude 
Pursuit,  he  took  the  unfrequented  paths. 
Nor  was  his  conscience  calm.     A  sense  of  sin 
Anguished  his  spirit,  and  he  knew  the  wound 
Was  bleeding  by  the  shaft  his  hand  had  cast. 
Divine  communion  was  suspended.     Dark, 
Disconsolate,  and  broken  was  his  soul. 
So  journeyed  Jacob,  heir  of  Isaac's  wrath, 
Heir  of  the  promises  to  Abraham  given, 
Unknown,  and  still  protected  by  the  Lord. 

Deep  in.  the  wilderness  the  shades  of  night 
Are  gathering  'round  the  traveler.     The  gates 


92  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Of  Luz  were  closed.     The  breeze  was  soft,  the  air 
Was  fragrant,  and  the  blue  etherial  heaven 
Was  full  of  glory,  and  a  hallowed  calm 
Stole  o'er  the  troubled  mind  and  weary  frame 
Of  Jacob.     Fainting  nature  asked  repose  ; 
And  of  that  place  he  took  the  stones  and  formed 
His  pillow,  bowed  in  prayer,  and  laid  him  down 
To  rest  beneath  th'  Almighty's  guardian  wings. 
Behold  the  sleeper  on  his  bed  of  stone. 
His  face  is  full  on  heaven.     His  locks  and  robe 
Are  wet  with  dew.     Are  these  thy  ways,  O  God  ! 
'T  is  even  so.     That  sleeper  on  his  stone 
Was  God's  peculiar  care,  and  e'en  that  night 
Did  Jacob  rest  fast  by  the  gates  of  glory. 
And  as  he  slept  he  saw  a  ladder  rise, 
One  foot  on  earth  the  other  on  the  sky ; 
Angels  ascending  and  descending  on 
The  radiant  bars.     He  saw  the  Son  of  God 
On  heaven's  verge  in  mercy  looking  down, 
And  heard  the  still,  the  soft  inspiring  word : 
"  I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God 
Of  Isaac,  and  thy  covenant  God  and  Friend. 
The  land  where  thou  dost  lie  to  thee  I  give, 
And  to  thy  seed.     Thy  offspring  shall  arise, 
And  spread  abroad  from  east  to  west,  from  north 
To  south,  in  number  like  the  sand.     In  thee, 
And  in  thy  seed,  shall  all  the  world  rejoice. 
Thy  guardian  I  will  be  in  all  thy  way. 


JACOB. 


93 


I  '11  bless  thy  house  and  work  in  distant  lands, 
And  bring  thee  to  thy  home  again  in  peace. 
I  will  not  leave  thee  till  my  words  of  grace 
Are  all  fulfilled,  and  show  a  faithful  God." 

Behold,  again,  the  sleeper  on  his  stone, 

Awaking  from  his  dream  as  one  in  glory. 

And  Jacob  whispered  to  awestruck  soul : 

"  E'en  here  does  God  His  gracious  presence  give 

Beyond  my  hopes.     How  dreadful  is  this  place ! 

This  is  the  house  of  God,  and  this  the  gate 

Of  heaven !"     And  there  did  Jacob,  all  that  night, 

In  sweet  bewilderment  of  joy,  behold 

The  vision  till  the  morning  rose,  when  sense 

Gave  place  to  faith — substance  of  things  unseen. 

The  stars  are  fading  in  the  sky.     The  morn 

Has  tinged  the  east  with  gold,  when  Jacob  rose, 

Refreshed  and  strengthened  by  the  heavenly  scene. 

That  dream  is  graven  on  the  patriarch's  soul 

Forever  to  be  seen.     That  spot  of  earth, 

"Where  God  breathed  heaven  through  all  his  heart,  in 

times 
To  come  shall  be  the  place  of  intercourse 
With  God.     And  Jacob  took  the  unhewn  stone 
On  which  he  slept,  and  reared  it  for  a  sign, 
A  monumental  pillar  to  the  Lord ; 
And  crowned  its  top  with  consecrating  oil, 
And  said :  "  This  place  is  Bethel :  This  the  house 


94 


SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


Of  God,  and  this  the  gate  of  heaven." 

And,  standing  on  that  sacred  ground,  he  raised 

His  hand  to  God,  and  bound  his  soul  anew 

To  purer  worship  and  to  holier  love : 

"  Give  me  Thy  guidance  and  Thy  care,  O  Lord  ! 

And  grant  me  bread  and  raiment  on  the  way, 

That  I  may  see  again  my  father's  house 

In  peace.    I  '11  own  Thee  as  my  Lord  and  God ; 

This  stone  that  I  have  reared  shall  be  Thy  house. 

The  victim  here  shall  bleed  in  sacrifice ; 

And  here  shall  vows  be  made,  and  praises  sung, 

And  tithes  of  all  Thy  gifts  shall  on  Thy  altar  rest." 

That  ladder,  resting  on  the  earth  and  sky, 

Was  emblematic  of  the  Saviour's  work. 

The  space  illimitable  'twixt  the  Lord 

And  man  Messiah  fills,  and  heaven  and  earth 

Unite  in  easy,  joyous  intercourse. 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  is  the  way  to  God. 

Divine  and  human  in  the  Saviour  met, 

Make  earth  and  heaven  one.     His  righteousness 

And  sacrifice  fulfilling  all  the  law, 

Give  guilty  man  a  heavenly  way  to  God: 

And  Jesus,  rising  from  his  rocky  tomb, 

Ascending  up  on  high,  and  crowned  o'er  all 

At  God's  right  hand,  supreme,  ineffable, 

Is  confirmation  sure  of  intercourse 

With  heaven.     The  Holy  Ghost  descending 


JACOB.  95 

On  the  Saviour's  bead,  and  on  his  people's  hearts, 

Changing  the  soul  from  glory  unto  glory, 

Is  proof  divine  of  open  way  to  God. 

The  wheels  of  Providence  move  on  this  way, 

And  here  the  chariots  of  salvation  roll. 

The  angels  ministering  to  heirs  of  hope, 

With  love  and  flaming  zeal  traverse  this  way. 

All  blessings  of  the  gracious  covenant 

Come  down ;   and  all  the  prayers,  and  works,  and  wants 

Of  holy  men  ascend  on  this  bright  path. 

Where'er  the  saint  is  found,  on  hills  of  bliss, 

In  vales  of  woe,  in  heat  of  noon,  or  shade 

Of  night,  in  traveling  on  the  rugged  road. 

Or,  Jacob  like,  reposing  on  a  stone ; 

"Where'er  the  pilgrim  lives,  the  pilgrim  dies, 

'Twixt  him  and  heaven  the  glorious  way  of  Christ 

Is  open  wide,  and  hosts  of  God  attend 

In  cheerful  ministry  to  all  his  need. 

Jacob  beheld  the  emblem  and  was  glad, 

And  journeyed  on  rejoicing.     Faith  beholds 

The  substance,  and  the  soul  is  full  of  glory. 

Sublimely  seated  o'er  this  radiant  way 

The  Lord  appears,  proclaims  His  covenant  name, 

Breathes  forth  His  gracious  influence,  and  grants 

His  promises,  which  cheer  us  now,  and  lead 

To  everlasting  rest.     And  oh !  how  bright 

That  way  of  Christ  appears  when  in  the  vale 

Of  death !     My  soul  is  weary,  and  I  lay 


96  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

Me  down  beneath  my  Guardian's  wings ;  my  head 
Is  resting  on  the  everlasting  arms ; 
My  soul  beholds  the  way,  the  truth,  the  life, 
And  angels  bear  me  through  the  gates  of  heaven, 
To  rest  in  glory  with  the  Lord. 

Th'  inspiring  vision  raised  his  soul  to  God, 

Renewed  his  strength,  and  Jacob  journeyed  on, 

From  day  to  day,  rejoicing.     Aid  unseen 

Made  safe  his  road  to  oriental  lands, 

Where  Abraham's  honored  Syrian  kindred  dwelt. 

Before  him  spread  a  wide  extended  plain. 

The  common  well  was  there,  for  neighboring  herds 

And  flocks  to  drink.     The  day  was  in  its  strength ; 

And  shepherds  now  were  waiting  other  flocks 

To  come,  ere  from  the  well  the  stone  was  rolled. 

Of  Haran  were  the  men,  to  Laban  known. 

And  Jacob  learned  that  all  his  friends  were  well ; 

And  lo,  they  said  :  "  His  daughter  cometh  now ; 

For  Rachel  keeps  her  father's  flock." 

As  morning  beautiful  fair  Rachel  came ; 

And  like  the  morn  shed  light,  and  love,  and  hope, 

Through  all  his  soul;  and  Jacob  wept  for  joy. 

With  noble,  generous  heart,  and  fervent  zeal, 

For  his  fair  kindred  Jacob  rolled  the  stone 

Away,  and  watered  all  the  flock,  and  said : 

"  I  am  Rebecca's  son,  thy  father's  brother." 


JACOB.  97 

That  hour,  that  kiss,  that  kindness,  raised  a  flame 
Of  virtuous  love  that  never  ceased  to  burn, 
And  gave  new  joy  to  all  their  future  life. 

The  shepherdess  has  spread  the  welcome  news 
Through  all  her  father's  house,  and  Laban  greets 
His  sister's  son,  and  kindred  meet  in  joy ; 
And  Jacob,  exiled  from  his  father's  tent, 
In  Syria  finds  a  home  of  rest,  of  love,  of  toil. 

The  welcome  o'er,  at  times  and  seasons  meet, 

Jacob  unfolds  his  father's  history. 

Speaks  of  his  age,  his  piety,  and  faith ; 

The  promises  and  covenants  of  his  God. 

Tells  of  his  flocks  and  herds  and  princely  wealth; 

His  greatness  and  his  wide  extended  fame  ; 

And  how  the  patriarchal  blessing  rests 

In  fullness  on  the  younger  brother's  head. 

Speaks  of  the  birthright,  and  of  Esau's  wrath, 

The  parting  season,  and  Rebecca's  grief  ; 

The  promise  of  the  Lord,  the  numerous  seed, 

The  coming  Saviour,  and  the  care  of  God. 

All  these  did  Jacob  carefully  unfold, 

From  time  to  time,  to  listening,  wondering  friends, 

Deep  interest  causing  in  the  hearts  of  all; 

And  Laban  owned  him  as  his  sister's  son. 

Oft  with  the  Beautiful  did  Jacob  walk  ; 
Relieved  her  daily  burdens,  watched  her  flock, 
5 


98  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Rested  at  noon  beneath  the  cooling  shade; " 

At  evening  twilight  housed  her  fleecy  charge. 

And  oft  he  told  her  of  his  father's  house, 

And  his  own  exile  from  his  mother's  tent, 

And  how  the  patriarchal  promise,  rich 

With  gifts  of  earth  and  heaven,  on  him  was  resting. 

His  generous  spirit  prompting  friendly  acts, 

And  gentle  words,  and  tender  feeling,  led 

To  frequent  intercourse  and  converse  pure, 

Till  in  each  heart  that  passion  rose  with  power, 

Designed  by  God  t'  unite  and  bless  mankind. 

Oft  with  the  herdsmen  in  their  rugged  toil 
Did  Jacob  join  ;  and  by  his  wisdom  showed 
His  powers  to  tend  the  flock,  the  field,  and  herd. 
And  thus  from  day  to  day  did  Jacob  give 
His  labors  free,  intent  meanwhile  to  woo 
And  win  the  beauteous  Rachel's  love. 

The  keen-eyed  father  saw  the  growing  passion, 
And  resolved  thereon  to  increase  his  lordly  wealth ; 
For  Laban's  heart  on  worldly  goods  was  set. 
And  when,  with  seeming  justice,  and  the  show 
Of  generous  feeling  for  his  kinsman's  good, 
The  selfish  Lab  an  asked  for*terms  of  toil, 
Full  well  he  knew  what  answer  love  would  make. 
And  Jacob  said:  "Seven  years  of  servitude 
For  Rachel  I  will  give."     O  virtuous  love ! 


JACOB.  93 

Thy  power  surpasses  ease,  and  wealth,  and  life, 
And  freedom,  too.     O  sordid  avarice ! 
Thy  strength  o'ercomes  all  human  rights  — 
The  laws  of  hospitality,  and  ties  of  blood. 
Behold  the  free-born  son  and  wealthy  heir 
Of  Isaac  yielding  liberty  for  love ; 
Enduring  seven  long  years  of  servitude 
To  gain  the  cherished  object  of  his  soul. 

Happy  was  Jacob  in  his  days  of  toil. 
The  storm,  the  heat  of  day,  the  cold  of  night, 
.-V  stern  and  discontented  kinsman's  frowns, 
Were  all  with  patience  borne,  and  e'en  with  joy ; 
t?or  Rachel  met  him  with  her  eyes,  and  smiles, 
And  heart  of  love.     The  beauteous  Rachel's  voice 
Beguiled  the  time  away,  and  all  the  while 
TVas  Jacob's  soul  receiving  draughts  of  love 
From  his  sweet  shepherdess.     E'en  servitude 
"Was  bliss  with  Rachel  by  his  side.     The  years 
Of  slavery  are  passed,  passed  like  a  dream, 
Like  one  short  day  of  exquisite  enjoyment. 
Seven  years  for  Rachel  Jacob  served, 
But  days  they  seemed  to  him,  for  love  he  bore  her. 

The  long  anticipated  day  has  come, 

The  covenant  is  fulfilled,  the  bride  is  claimed. 

But  avarice  has  another  sacrifice  to  ask, 

And  victims  yet  must  bleed  on  love's  pure  altar. 


100  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  marriage  feast  in  oriental  style 

Is  made.     At  night,  and  veiled,  to  Jacob's  tent 

The  bride  is  borne,  and  morning's  light  reveals 

The  unloved  first  born  Leah  at  his  side. 

The  heavens  are  just;  sin  rests  on  Laban's  soul. 

On  Isaac's  blindness  Jacob  wrought  deceit, 

And  said  :  "  I  am  thy  son,  thy  first  born,  Esau," 

And  gained  the  birthright,  prized  and  sought  for  years. 

On  Jacob's  honest  unsuspecting  heart 

The  first  born  practiced  guile,  and  gained  her  end. 

Oh  !  Jacob's  hand  has  formed  the  shaft  that  jDierced 

His  heart ;  but  sin  on  Laban's  soul  is  found. 

"Did  I  not  serve  for  Eachel?     "Why  thy  guilt 

In  violating  sacred  oath  and  covenant  ?" 

'T  was  sordid  avarice  the  answer  gave: 

"  The  younger  ere  the  elder  may  not  wed. 

When  marriage  week  and  festival  are  o'er, 

Rachel  thy  wife  shall  be,  with  promise  given, 

Of  other  seven  full  years  of  servitude." 

The  selfish  Lab  an  well  perceived  the  love, 

The  unextinguished  love  of  Jacob's  soul. 

On  this  he  ventured  by  the  terms  he  made. 

What  avarice  offered,  love  too  soon  embraced ; 

And  Jacob  yields  his  liberty,  and  all 

His  faithful  services  for  years  to  come, 

For  love  of  Rachel,  now  his  lawful  spouse. 

Llis  father  Isaac's  counsels  are  fulfilled : 


JACOB.  101 

"  Of  Laban's  daughters  thou  shalt  choose  thy  wife, 

And  God  Almighty  shall  increase  thy  house, 

And  multiply  thy  seed  like  stars  of  heaven." 

The  patriarchs  are  born  ;  and  children  throng 

The  shepherds's  tent ;  while  Laban's  flocks  and  herds 

Increase  through  Jacob's  faithful  industry. 

The  seven  years'  promised  service  is  complete. 

Joseph  is  born,  the  joy  of  Rachel's  soul, 

The  friend  of  God,  the  saviour  of  the  house  of  Israel. 

Fourteen  long  years  of  toil  has  Jacob  given 

T'  increase  a  hard,  unfeeling  kinsman's  wealth. 

His  own  increasing  house  demands  the  fruit 

Of  his  industrious  hands.     'Tis  nature's  call, 

'T  is  God's  established  rule.     The  shepherd  turns 

His  eyes  and  heart  towards  his  father's  house, 

To  seek  his  fortunes  in  his  native  land. 

"  Give  me  my  wives,  my  children,  the  reward 

Of  servitude.     The  Lord  has  blessed  thee  since 

My  coming,  now  for  my  own  house  must  I 

Provide."     And  God  was  Jacob's  friend  and  guide 

In  new  arrangements  made  for  years  to  come 

With  crafty  Laban.     God  in  righteousness 

Takes  from  the  man  of  sin  his  unjust  gain, 

And  pours  it  largely  in  his  servant's  lap. 

But  who  can  tell  the  tortured,  frenzied  mind, 

Of  that  insatiate  miser,  as  his  wealth 

Was  torn  away  by  overruling  heaven, 

And  given  to  injured  justice,  and  to  hard 


102  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

And  honest  toil.     Jacob  "beholds  the  hand 

Of  God  and  labors  on  with  conscience  pure. 

And  Lab'*n  feels  a  high  controlling  power, 

Baffling  1  is  schemes  and  crossing  all  his  plans  ; 

And  his  dark  soul  is  raised  in  wrath  'gainst  heaven, 

And  burns  with  envy  'gainst  his  prosperous  rival. 

The  cunning  policy  of  Laban's  house 

Is  conquered.     Jacob  is  a  man  of  wealth. 

The  storm  of  jealousy  is  gathering  fast. 

'T  was  just  the  time  for  God  to  interpose. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  to  Jacob  came 

And  said :  "lam  the  God  of  Bethel.     There 

Thy  consecrated  pillar  stands.     Arise,  return. 

My  presence  shall  go  with  thee  on  the  way, 

And  I  will  give  thee  rest." 

The  voice  of  heaven  well  pleased  did  Jacob  hear. 

Well  pleased  did  Bachel  and  her  sister  learn 

God's  will,  and  ready  acquiesence  gave. 

And  Jacob,  rich  in  wives,  and  sons,  and  flocks, 

And  herds,  and  servants,  journeyed  on  from  day 

To  day,  with  God  his  guide  and  his  defence. 

Exasperated  Laban  presses  hard 

In  the  pursuit,  with  purposes  of  wrath  ; 

But  God  has  met  him  with  controlling  power, 

And  said:  "  Speak  not  to  Jacob,  good  or  bad." 

The  parties  met.     But  oh  the  tortured  mind, 

The  writhing  anguish  of  that  guilty  man, 

As  Jacob  in  his  honcstv  rehearsed 


JACOB.  103 

The  scenes  of  twenty  years,  and  justified 
His  acts  e'en  to  the  miser's  sordid  "heart, 
And  his  most  pure  integrity  to  heaven. 

A  covenant  of  peace  the  parties  made, 
And  there  a  pillar  as  a  watch  tower  raised. 
And  there  the  oath  was  taken  in  the  name 
Of  Abraham's  God,  and  Xahor's  God,  and  fear 
Of  Isaac,  ne'er  to  pass  that  tower  for  harm. 
A  sacrifice  is  offered  on  the  mount. 
The  people  eat  in  peace,  and  rest  secure 
Beneath  the  wings  of  Jacob's  guardian  God. 
At  morning's  early  sunlight  Laban  rose 
And  kissed  his  sons  and  daughters,  and  returned 
To  his  own  place ;  and  Jacob  took  his  way 
Towards  his  native  land — his  father's  house. 

One  enemy  is  conquered  —  reconciled. 

Another  lies  between  him  and  the  land 

Of  promise.     Esau,  nursing  still  his  wrath, 

Is  on  the  way  with  hundreds  by  his  side. 

But  Jacob  stands  encompassed  by  the  Lord. 

Th'  angelic  hosts  appear,  in  mercy  sent 

Hope  to  inspire  and  strengthen  confidence. 

Xor  does  the  promised  presence  of  the  Lord, 

Xor  wall  of  angels  round  the  good  man's  head, 

Dispense  with  words,  and  deeds  of  love,  to  quench 

The  coals  of  anger  in  the  brother's  breast, 


104  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  lead  to  mutual  love  and  peace. 

Gifts  steal  tlie  heart,  soft  words  turn  wrath  away. 

To  Esau  messengers  are  sent  with  words 

Of  kindness  and  submission  due.     Five  droves, 

A  liberal,  princely  present,  with  their  men 

At  equal  distances  removed,  fill  up  the  way ; 

And  all  are  charged,  as  Esau  they  shall  meet, 

To  answer :  "  These  are  Jacob's  gifts  to  win 

The  heart  of  his  lord  Esau,  and  behold 

Thy  servant  Jacob  is  behind." 

The  flocks  and  men  are  placed  in  separate  bands. 

But  dearer  to  his  soul  than  all  his  wealth 

Was  his  loved  household  in  four  clusters  ranged. 

Reason,  and  skill,  and  love,  have  done  their  work ; 

And  Jacob's  refuge  is  the  Lord  his  God. 

'T  is  midnight,  and  the  shepherd  is  alone. 
The  stars  are  shining  in  the  deep  blue  heaven. 
The  dew  is  thick  upon  his  locks  and  robe. 
The  time  of  meeting  Esau's  wrath  is  near. 
His  wives'  and  children's  safety  fills  his  soul. 
Past  scenes  in  all  their  hues  meet  in  this  hour , 
And  future  things  come  rushing  on  the  mind ; 
And  Jacob  pours  his  inmost  heart  to  God 
In  prayer :  "  O  God  of  my  father  Abraham  ! 
My  father  Isaac's  God  !     The  Lord  who  said : 
'Return  unto  thy  kindred,  and  thy  land, 
And  I  will  do  thee  good.'     Of  all  Thy  truth 


JACOB.  105 

And  mercy  to  Thy  servant  I'm  not  meet : 

For  with  my  staff  I  passed  this  Jordan,  now 

I  am  become  two  bands.     From  Esau's  wrath 

Defend.     The  mother  and  the  children  shield. 

Hast  Thou  not  spoken  :  '  I  will  do  thee  good. 

Thy  seed  in  number  shall  increase  like  stars 

Of  heaven,  and  sand  upon  the  shore.'  " 

'T  was  agonizing  prayer  and  argument 

With  God.     'T  was  taking  hold  of  strength  divine. 

And  all  that  night,  with  faith  and  energy, 

Did  Jacob  wrestle  with  the  Lord  his  God. 

And  as  the  morning  dawned  the  angel  said  : 

"  The  day  is  breaking;  let  me  go."     "  I  wTill 

Not  let  thee  go  without  Thy  blessing." 

The  prayer  of  faith  has  conquered ;  graciously 

Th'  almighty  Friend  has  yielded  up  His  strength 

To  persevering  importunity. 

"  Thy  name  no  more  is  Jacob  ;  Israel 

Shall  be  thy  name  of  honor  and  renown  ; 

For  as  a  prince  hast  thou  prevailed  with  God, 

And  as  a  prince  with  man  shalt  thou  prevail." 

And  now  the  angel  of  the  covenant 

Renewed  the  promises  to  Abraham  given, 

And  pledged  protection  on  the  way  to  Canaan 

The  day  has  dawned  in  full  and  splendid  giory. 
Esau  comes  down  with  hundreds  by  his  side. 
Jacob  has  been  with  God.     Wisdom  and  skill 
5* 


106  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Have  made  their  best  arrangements,  and  Israel 
Slowly  bowing  passes  on  to  meet 
Th'  approaching  brother.     Oil !  they  meet  in  peace, 
And  in  each  other's  arms  they  weep  for  joy ; 
Brother  and  brother  in  sweet  friendship's  bands. 
The  deeds  of  love  have  quenched  the  fires  of  wrath, 
And  he  who  long  ago  had  said  :  "  When  days 
Of  mourning  at  my  father's  grave  are  o'er 
I  '11  slay  my  brother,"  meets  the  younger  born 
With  heart  o'erflowing  with  fraternal  love. 
These  are  thy  fruits,  sweet  charity  !  and  these 
Thy  triumphs,  O  victorious  faith  ! 

Esau  beheld  the  household  drawing  near, 

And  said  with  deep  emotion  :  "Who  are  these?" 

"  The  children  God  has  graciously  bestowed 

Upon  thy  servant  Jacob."     One  by  one 

The  train  in  order  'ranged  came  bowing  down 

At  Esau's  feet.     First  Zilpah  and  her  sons. 

In  order  next  came  Bilhah,  in  each  hand 

A  rosy  boy.     Surrounded  by  her  sons 

And  daughter  next  came  Leah,  rendering  due 

Respect  and  reverence.     Beauteous  Rachel  came 

With  little  Joseph  in  her  hand,  and  bowed 

Submissive  at  the  elder  brother's  feet. 

And  Esau  said  :  "  What  mean  these  droves  1  met  ?" 

"These  droves  I  sent  to  gain  thy  heart,  my  lord  ; 

Most  gracious  to  thy  servant  God  has  been. 


JACOB.  107 

Take  this  my  blessing,  for  I  've  seen  thy  face 
With  joy,  as  I  had  seen  the  face  of  God." 
The  gift  is  urged  with  noble,  generous  zeal ; 
And  taken,  pledge  of  present  mutual  peace, 
And  seal  of  future  amity  and  cordial  love. 
Attendance  kindly  offered  on  the  way, 
And  kindly  waived,  the  brothers  separate, 
Well  pleased.     Esau  unto  Mount  Seir  returned  ; 
And  Jacob  softly  journeyed  on  towards 
His  native  land — towards  his  father's  house. 

I  see  the  patriarch  next  erecting  booths 

On  Jordan's  plain  to  rest  his  weary  flocks. 

Again  I  see  him  pitch  his  tent  in  Canaan. 

I  see  the  altar  rise,  the  victim  bleed, 

The  sacrifice  with  faith  and  prayer  ascend, 

Acknowledgment  of  confidence  in  God, 

And  gratitude  for  mercies  freely  given. 

But  Jacob  finds  no  place  of  perfect  rest. 

Too  long  he  tarried  near  the  gates  of  Shechem. 

His  daughter  fallen,  and  his  children  stained 

With  blood  and  plunder,  fill  his  soul  with  woes, 

And  bow  his  head  in  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

Trembling  and  groaning  o'er  his  household's  sins, 

And  jealous  of 'the  honor  of  the  Lord, 

He  lies  in  anguish  in  the  dust,  and  hears 

The  animating  voice  from  heaven  :  "  Arise  ; 

Go  up  to  Bethel.     There  abide  ;  and  there 


108  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

An  altar  rear  to  God  who  showed  his  face 

In  covenant  love  when  fleeing  from  thy  brother." 

Well  pleased  did  Jacob  hear  the  heavenly  voice. 

I  see  the  household  now  from  idols  cleansed, 

With  garments  changed,  in  solemn  order  move 

Through. hostile  fields,  and  towns,  and  cities,  held 

In  awe  by  terror  of  the  Lord,  till  all 

Arrive  at  Bethel.     There  the  stone  yet  stands 

Where  Jacob  laid  his  head,  and  slept,  and  saw 

The  opening  heaven.     I  see  the  altar  rise — 

The  victim  bleed.     I  see  the  patriarch, 

With  locks  of  snow,  stand  by  the  sacrifice. 

I  hear  him  say  :  "  O  God  of  Abraham ! 

My  father  Isaac's  God  !     Thou  art  my  God, 

And  God  of  all  my  house.    Here  shall  Thy  name 

Be  worshiped ;  here  Thy  praises  sung ; 

And  on  Thy  altar  offerings  shall  be  made." 

The  cloud  of  glory  overspreads  the  host, 

And  Jacob  hears  the  soul-inspiring  voice :    • 

"Thy  name  is  Israel.     I  almighty  God. 

Increase  and  multiply.     Nations  and  kings 

From  thee  shall  rise.     The  land  I  gave  by  oath 

To  Abraham  and  Isaac,  give  I  thee 

In  covenant  sure,  and  to  thy  seed  forever." 

Once  more  has  Jacob  held  converse  with  God. 
Once  more  has  rested  near  the  gates  of  glory. 
Again  he  goes  to  drink  the  cup  of  tears. 


JACOB.  109 

The  cavalcade  is  softly  moving  on, 

And  drawing  near  the  town  of  Bethlehem. 

There  Rachel  died.     And  with  her  died  the  heart 

Of  Jacob.     Rachel  was  buried.     In  her  grave 

Was  buried  Jacob's  soul.     He  could  not  weep. 

And  Jacob  sat  a  pillar  on  her  grave, 

And  as  his  heart  and  hands  were  occupied 

In  rearing  that  fair  monument  to  grief, 

His  thoughts  were  turned  from  his  fair  Rachel's  death 

Till  time  had  soothed  his  soul  to  realize 

And  weep  submissive  'neath  the  stroke  of  God. 

Farewell,  sweet  Rachel,  Jacob's  beauteous  wife ! 

The  infant  Benjamin  survives,  solace 

Of  Jacob  in  his  days  of  age  and  woes. 

Xow  Jacob  pitched  his  tent  in  Hebron,  near 

His  father's  long  established,  peaceful  home. 

There  sleeps  Rebecca  in  the  rocky  tomb 

Of  Abraham  and  Sarah,  friends  of  God. 

And  now  the  aged  patriarch  by  ear 

And  touch  beholds  and  greets  his  younger  son, 

And  grants  his  purest,  holiest  benediction. 

Then  one  by  one  to  Isaac's  seat  is  led 

The  household.     First  came  Zilpah  and  her  sons. 

Eilhah  and  her  children  next  in  order  came. 

And  then  came  Leah  and  her  youthful  flock. 

Fair  as  his  beauteous  mother  Joseph  came, 

And  kissed  the  patriarch's  hand.     Xext  Benjamin 


110  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Was  folded  in  his  aged  arms  with  joy. 
The  venerable  saint,  almost  in  heaven, 
Poured  o'er  their  heads  the  fullness  of  his  prayers. 
Then  of  his  flocks  and  herds  did  Jacob  speak. 
Told  of  his  servants  and  his  princely  wealth. 
Spake  of  his  hardships  with  his  Syrian  friend ; 
Of  peace  with  Esau,  and  of  Rachel's  death; 
Of  God's  protection,  and  His  promised  grace. 
All  which  did  Isaac  hear  with  pure  delight, 
And  bowed  in  worship  to  his  covenant  God ; 
And  all  came  nearer  to  the  gates  of  heaven. 
Fain  would  the  patriarch  have  entered  in, 
And  on  the  bosom  of  eternal  love 
.Reposed  his  weary  head ;  and  yet  the  saint 
Full  seventeen  years  this  side  of  Jordan  lives, 
To  bless  his  kindred  with  his  fervent  prayers ; 
To  know  their  sorrows  and  their  joys  partake, 
And  ripen  fully  for  his  heavenly  rest. 

Near  Isaac's  home  the  pious  Jacob  dwells, 
And  with  his  father  often  meets  and  holds 
Communion.     But  Jacob  finds  no  perfect  rest. 
Israel  is  seated  in  his  tent  musing 
On  Joseph's  absence.     Care  and  grief  are  on 
His  brow.     Oppressive  sorrow  fills  his  heart. 
"  Oh  !  why  does  Joseph  tarry  ?     Why  so  long 
Ere  tidings  come  ?  "     And  as  the  father  spake, 
His  Joseph's  raiment,  torn  and  stained  with  biood, 


JACOB.  Ill 

Is  opened  up  before  his  gazing  eves. 

And  his  own  sons  the  taunting  question  asked  : 

"  Know  now  if  this  be  Joseph's  coat  or  no. 

We  found  it  in  the  field/'     And  Israel  knew 

The  vesture,  and  exclaimed  :  *;  An  evil  beast 

Has  slain  my  son.     Joseph,  Joseph,  is  torn 

In  pieces.'*     This,  this  was  the  fatal  stroke. 

This  was  the  crushing  blow.     And  Jacob  rent 

His  clothes,  put  sackcloth  on  his  loins,  and  mourned 

For  Joseph.     Xone  could  heal  that  bleeding  wound. 

Xot  even  time  could  sooth  his  anguished  soul ; 

For  Jacob  said  :  i;  I  will  go  down  into  the  grave 

Unto  my  son  mourning.*'     Thus  Israel  wept 

For  Joseph.     Long  the  awful  secret  lay 

Like  coals  of  fire  within  the  young  men's  breast ; 

Xor  did  the  voice  of  consolation  come, 

Till  Joseph  reigned  first  lord  in  Pharaoh's  court, 

The  saviour  of  the  house  of  Israel  — 

The  world's  great  benefactor,  and  the  friend 

Of  God  and  man. 

Meanwhile  the  patriarch  is  called  to  mourn 

Another  loss.     But  mercy  mingles  here 

With  judgment.     God  has  come  in  love  to  call 

His  father  Isaac  home.     The  saint  was  ripe 

For  heaven.     Isaac,  the  son  of  Abraham,  died  — 

A  man  of  contemplation,  piety,  and  peace. 

A  man  whom  Providence  severely  tried, 

And  who  was  blessed  with  intercourse  with  God. 


112  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

He  lived  to  see  the  promise  bud  and  blossom, 
And  died  in  faith  of  immortality. 
Isaac  was  gathered  to  his  people  old 
And  full  of  days.     Esau  and  Jacob  met 
In  peace,  and  mingled  tears  of  sorrow 
O'er  their  father's  grave. 


ISAAC  AKD  REBECCA. 


A   PARAPHRASE   OF   THE   TWENTY-FOURTH    CHAPTER    OF 
GEXE3I3. 


Abraham,  the  father  of  the  faithful,  and  the  founder  of  the 
Hebrew  nation,  had  reached  the  age  of  a  hundred  and  forty 
years.  His  beautiful  and  beloved  companion,  Sarah,  the 
pattern  of  all  Christian  wives,  had  now  reposed  for  three 
years  in  the  rocky  cave  of  Hebron,  and  Isaac  was  a  sincere 
and  disconsolate  mourner.  Abraham  is  distinguished  by 
the  inspired  historian  as  a  man  of  prompt,  and  vigorous,  aud 
obedient  faith.  Sarah  is  commended  as  a  woman  of  pure 
piety,  ardent  love,  and  dutiful  reverence.  This  interesting 
pair,  in  the  meridian  of  their  days,  in  obedience  to  the 
commands  of  God,  had  emigrated  from  their  native  Ur  of  the 
Chaldees  ;  had  journeyed  hand  in  hand  to  the  promised  pos- 
session ;  had  erected  their  tent  and  their  altar  in  valley  and 
on  mountain,  in  joy  and  in  sorrow.  They  had  visited  to- 
gether many  of  the  rugged  and  pleasant  parts  of  the  earthlv 
Canaan,  while  their  faith  beheld  the  better  countrv  far  off 
in  the  Divine  promise.     Their  integrity  ;  the  simplicity  of 

(113) 


114  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

tlicir  lives ;  the  power  of  their  faith,  and  the  general  holiness 
of  their  character;  together  with  their  wanderings,  their 
temptations,  their  afflictions,  and  their  patient  endurance, 
awaken  our  sympathy,  excite  our  admiration,  and  warm  our 
affections.  God  had  given  to  this  interesting  pair  the  promise 
of  -a  posterity  numerous  as  the  stars  of  heaven.  When 
Abraham  was  a  hundred  years  old,  and  his  wife  ninety,  they 
stood  in  the  opening  of  their  tent,  and  looked  abroad  upon 
the  sky  with  the  eye  of  reason,  and  saw  not  a  single  star. 
Again  they  looked  upon  the  firmament  with  the  eve  of  faith, 
and  saw  the  whole  heavens  sparkling  with  stars,  and  the 
fairest  of  all  the  glittering  host  was  Isaac,  born  according  to 
the  promise.  "  I  know  Abraham,"  said  God,  "  that  he  will 
command  his  children  and  his  household  after  him,  and  they 
shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judgment." 
Isaac  was  reared  up  in  the  faith  and  piety  of  his  father, 
and  in  the  love  and  reverence  of  his  mother.  As  Isaac  grew 
in  stature  he  increased  in  wisdom  and  grace,  and  was  emi- 
nently a  man  of  peace,  of  retirement,  and  of  heavenly  con- 
templation. The  promise  had  now  put  forth  its  first  bud, 
and  it  expanded  in  beauty  under-  the  culture  of  Abraham 
and  Sarah,  and.  the  blessing  of  the  God  of  the  covenant. 
No  fairer  flower  ever  bloomed  in  a  believer's  house  ;  no 
richer  jewel  ever  adorned  a  Christian's  diadem.  When  the 
young  man  was  in  the  most  interesting  period  of  life,  there 
came  a  voice  from  heaven  penetrating  the  patriarch's  soul : 
"Take  now  thy  son,  thy  only  son  Isaac,  whom  thou  lovest, 
and  get  thee  unto  the  land  of  Moriah,  and  offer  him  there 
for  a  burnt  offering  upon  one  of  the  mountains  that  I  will 


ISAAC    AND    REBECCA.  115 

tell  thee  of.''  The  trial  is  made  and  faith  triumphs  ;  and 
again  the  penetrating  voice  is  heard  :  u  Lay  not  thy  hand 
upon  the  lad :  for  now  I  know  that  thou  fearest  God,  seeing 
thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son,  from  me.'' 

And.  where  was  Sarah  during  these  high  scenes  of  trial. 
and  of  victory  ?  An  ancient  writer  says  :  "  These  scenes  o^ 
mystery  were  hidden  from  a  mothers  heart."  Maternal 
tenderness  could  not  endure  the  shock.  Even  the  happy 
termination  was  too  full  of  amazement  and  joy  to  be  sustained 
by  her  feeble  frame.  This  we  know  from'  the  inspired  pen- 
man ;  that  shortly  after  these  scenes  of  wonder  Sarah  cl 
the  period  of  her  earthly  history,  and  entered  into  her  heav- 
enly rest.  That  beauty  and  goodness  which  originally 
won  the  heart  of  Abraham,  and  filled  the  soul  of  Isaac  with 
happiness  ;  that  loveliness  which  shone  in  courts,  and  attract- 
ed the  eye  of  princes,  are  all  changed  by  the  power  of  death. 
But  her  ornaments  of  piety  are  ever  shining  in  the  Word  of 
God ;  and  while  her  body  reposes  in  the  cave  of  Hebron, 
she  still  lives,  the  beautiful  Sarah,  in  heaven, 

The  light  and  ornament  of  Abraham's  tent  has  departed. 
The  patriarch  is  now  a  hundred  and  forty  years  old,  and 
Isaac  is  a  disconsolate  mourner.  But  God  has  provided  an- 
other friend  to  fill  the  vacant  place  in  Abraham's  tent — the 
vacant  place  in  Isaac's  heart. 

The  Paraphrase  will  show  Abraham's  solicitude  to  procure 
a  godly  wife  for  his  son  Isaac ;  and  the  reader  will  be  con- 
ducted back  to  the  simplicity  of  ancient  times,  and  wit- 
ness the  courtship  and  marriage  of  Isaac  and  his  beautiful 
Rebecca. 


116  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  faithful  patriarch  is  aged  now ; 

His  locks  of  snow  adorn  his  noble  brow, 

A  crown  of  joy  ;  for  Abraham's  feet  have  trod 

The  righteous,  consecrated  paths  of  God. 

On  soil  secured  by  sacred  covenant, 

Full  sixty  years  his  altar  and  his  tent 

The  holy  man  has  reared-;  while  faith's  bright  eye 

Surveyed  the  land  of  immortality. 

And  God  had  blest  his  friend.     The  camels  fill  • 

The  extended  plain,  and  many  a  hill 

The  lowing  herds  o'erspread,  and  countless  nocks 

Repose  secure  beneath  the  shadowy  rocks. 

And  silver,  gold,  and  gems,  did  God  extend, 

In  rich  abundance  to  his  faithful  friend. 

Young  men  and  maidens  hear  the  master's  voice, 

And  live  in  love  and  peace,  and  all  rejoice. 

But  greater  wealth  was  his  —  a  priceless  gem 

Adorned  the  pious  father's  diadem 

The  great  Rewarder  to  his  friend  had  given 

His  Isaac,  promise  born  and  heir  of  heaven. 

The  patriarch  was  great,  and  greatly  blessed, 

Heir  of  the  world,  and  heir  of  future  rest 

The  sacred  word  was  given  :  "I  am  the  Lord, 

Thy  Shield,  thy  Buckler,  and  thy  great  Reward." 

The  holy  patriarch  is  aged  now ; 

His  locks  of  snow  adorn  his  noble  brow. 


ISAAC   AXD    REBECCA.  117 

And  solitary  too  is  Abraham's  tent; 

Its  cheerful  light,  its  lovely  ornament, 

Fair  Sarah,  sleeps  in  Hebron's  rocky  cave. 

And  now  o'erwhelmed  with  sorrow,  who  shall  lave 

The  aching  brow  of  that  pure  only  son, 

"Whom  Abraham  loves,  and  Sarah  doted  on? 

Another  friend  shall  come  ;  the  joy  of  life  ; 

The  beautiful,  the  tender,  virtuous  wife. 

In  her  a  sweeter  joy  shall  Isaac  prove 

Than  Abraham's  tenderness,  or  Sarah's  love. 

The  father's  soul  is  filled  with  anxious  care 

To  ioin  in  marriage  bonds  his  onlv  heir : 

And  Abraham  prays  and  trusts  that  God  would  guide 

To  Isaac's  tent  a  pious,  faithful  bride. 

And  Canaan's  tribes  in  idol  temples  bend 

In  worship  vile,  and  crimson  sins  ascend 

To  heaven,  and  God  provoked  has  fixed  the  hour 

Those  wicked  tribes  shall  feel  his  righteous  power. 

And  Canaan's  land  is  cursed.     Stern  ruin  waits 

The  appointed  time  to  scourge  her  guilty  states. 

It 's  God's  design,  and  Abraham's  fixed  intent, 

That  Isaac,  heir  of  heaven  in  covenant, 

Shall  never  join  his  holy  heart  and  hand 

In  nuptial  bonds  with  daughter  of  the  land. 

It 's  Abraham's  deep  solicitude  and  care, 

To  find  a  goodly  wife  for  Isaac,  heir 


118  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Of  earthly  riches  and  celestial  bliss, 
And  father  of  the  Lord  our  righteousness. 

O'er  Abraham's  house  and  wealth  a  servant  stood, 

Aged  and  faithful,  circumspect  and  good, 

Named  Eliezer,  in  Damascus  born, 

Whose  faith  and  works  the  paths  of  piety  adorn. 

To  him  the  man  of  faith  the  work  assigned, 

To  seek  companion  meet  of  godly  mind 

For  holy  Isaac,  now  in  mourning  state, 

And  long  a  mourner,  still  disconsolate. 

But  ere  the  chief  his  arduous  work  began, 

The  patriarch  thus  addressed  the  pious  man : 

"Approach,  Damascus.    I  will  bind  on  thee 

The  accustomed  oath  of  true  fidelity. 

Jehovah    who  the  covenant  has  given ; 

Our  God,  the  God  of  earth,  and  God  of  heaven, 

Shall  hear  thy  oath :  That  thou  shalt  never  choose 

Of  Canaan's  sinful  daughters  Isaac's  spouse ; 

But  in  my  native  land  shalt  seek  and  find, 

Among  my  kin,  a  wife  of  virtuous  mind ; 

So  shall  my  son,  in  union  sweet  accord 

With  one  who  fears,  and  loves,  and  trusts  the  Lord." 

The  conscientious  man  replied:  "The  one 
Of  gifts  and  grace  to  suit  thy  only  son, 
Attached  to  kindred  and  her  native  home, 
May  never  break  those  tender  ties,  to  roam 


ISAAC    AND    REBECCA.  119 

A  stranger  in  this  land ;  and  jet  the  fair 
"Would  yield  her  hand  for  life  to  Abraham's  heir. 
Is  then  ray  master's  will,  and  will  of  heaven, 
That  Isaac  leave  the  land  in  promise  given, 
A.nd  seek  in  Haran,  with  thy  kindred  race, 
Domestic  comfort  and  a  dwelling  place?" 

The  patriarch  replied  with  firm  command  : 
"  Take  not  my  Isaac  to  my  native  land. 
Jehovah,  God  of  earth  and  heaven,  who  spake : 
Abraham,  thy  kindred  and  thy  home  forsake, 
And  seek  another  land  :  The  faithful  Lord 
Who  gave  his  promise  firm,  his  oath,  and  word, 
And  covenant  sure,  and  said  :  "Where  thou  dost  roam 
Shall  be  thy  earthly  heritage  and  home. 
That  God  I  trust,  and  he  will  surely  send 
His  angel  with  thee,  as  thy  guard  and  friend. 
Thy  way  shall  prosper  as  the  Lord  shall  guide, 
And  heaven  shall  lead  thee  to  a  chosen  bride  ; 
And  found,  should  her  young  heart  refuse  to  break 
The  tender  ties  of  kindred,  and  forsake 
Her  cherished  mother's  home,  thy  work  is  done. 
But  take  not  Isaac  thence,  my  only  son." 
The  good  man  satisfied,  and  conscience  free, 
Received  the  oath  of  true  fidelity. 

Commissioned  now,  the  man  of  trust  and  age 
Prepares  in  haste  for  his  long  pilgrimage. 


120  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

Ten  loaded  camels  ranged  in  order  stand, 
Obedient  to  their  master's  strict  command. 
The  noble  camels  precious  treasures  bore ; 
Jewels  and  gold,  a  rich  abundant  store ; 
An  oriental  train  in  princely  pride, 
To  woo  for  Abraham's  son  his  beauteous  bride. 
And  those  were  days  when  gifts  and  golden  charms 
Won  worth  and  beauty  to  the  lover's  arms.  ■ 

The  joyful  rising  sun  bids  darkness  flee,       - 
And  wakes  the  world  to  cheerful  industry. 
The  pious  man,  as  beams  of  morn  arise, 
Presents  -to  heaven  his  humble  sacrifice ; 
And  God  acknowledged  with  the  op'ning  day, 
Affords  protection,  and  a  prosperous  way. 
The  good  man  travels  on  with  God  his  Friend, 
In  joy  and  comfort  to  his  journey's  end. 

In  Syria  now,  before  the  city  gate 

Of  Nahor,  Eliezer's  camels  wait. 

And  there,  where  Abraham's  numerous  kindred  dwell, 

The  camels  kneel  around  the  city  well. 

'T  was  even-tide.     A  kind  propitious  Power 

The  time  had  ordered  right.     'Twas  just  the  hour 

"When  bands  of  maidens  with  their  pitchers  bring 

The  cooling  beverage  from  the  living  spring. 

A  hand  Divine  the  man  of  prayer  confessed, 

And  thus  to  heaven  his  anxious  thoughts  expressed  : 


ISAAC    AXD    KEBECCA.  121 

u  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  grant,  oh  grant,  I  pray, 
Thy  humble  servant  heavenly  speed  this  day ; 
And  to  my  master  show  thy  loving  power, 
And  mercy  great  in  this  benignant  hour. 
Behold,  before  the  city  well  I  stand, 
And  crave,  O  Lord,  Thy  interposing  hand. 
The  daughters  of  the  citizens  repair 
To  this  deep  fount,  and  on  their  shoulders  bear 
Their  well  filled  vessels.     "When  thy  servant,  Lord, 
Shall  greet  the  maiden  with  this  friendly  word : 
1  Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I  would  drink ;'  and  she 
Shall  answer  give  in  true  simplicity : 
1  My  lord  may  drink,  and  I  will  also  bring 
For  all  thy  camels  water  from  the  spring ;' 
May  that  industrious  maiden,  free  from  pride, 
Prove  Isaac's  humble,  cheerful,  chosen  bride. 
Be  this  the  token,  Lord ;  and  such  the  wife 
That  thou  shalt  give,  the  charm  and  joy  of  life ; 
And  purest  bliss  shall  fill  thy  servant's  breast, 
As  thy  rich  mercies  on  my  master  rest.'' 
Thus  Eliezer  prayed.     An  unseen  power 
"Was  near  at  hand  in  this  most  anxious  hour. 
"While  yet  the  good  man  spake  the  Lord  was  there, 
And  heard  his  thoughts,  and  answered  all  his  prayer. 
Behold  Rebecca,  sprang  of  Terah's  race, 
Forth  from  the  city  came.     Her  form  and  face 
"Was  beautifully  fair ;  and  love  divine 
Had  made  her  bosom  virtue's  holiest  shrine. 
6 


122  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

The  chaste  .Rebecca,  as  she  came  to  bring 
The  evening's  water,  from  the  living  spring, 
Her  pitcher  filled  with  nature's  crystal  flood, 
And  on  her  shoulder  poised  the  well  filled  vessel  stood. 

The  man  of  prayer  beheld  the  charming  maid, 
Approached,  with  patriarchal  grace,  and  said : 
"  Let  down  thy  pitcher.     I  would  drink."     And  she 
In  haste  replied,  with  sweet  simplicity : 
"  My  lord  may  drink ;  and  1  will  also  bring 
For  all  thy  camels  water  from  the  spring." 
The  maid,  with  cheerful  heart  and  modest  look, 
Her  well  filled  pitcher  from  her  shoulder  took, 
And  gave  the  stranger  drink.     Away  she  hied 
To  the  deep  well,  and  drew  and  oft  supplied 
The  watering  place,  till  every  camel  stood 
Refreshed  with  nature's  renovating  flood. 

The  aged  man  beheld  the  lovely  one 

Toiling  in  kindness  till  her  work  was  done ; 

And  wandering  held  his  peace,  that  he  might  see 

If  heaven  had  granted  sure  prosperity. 

The  stranger's  words  and  deeds  fulfilled  his  prayer, 

Made  plain  the  token,  and  removed  his  care. 

And  that  fair  maiden,  standing  near  his  side, 

His  spirit  owned  as  Isaac's  chosen  bride. 

On  fair  Rebecca's  brow  the  servant  set 

A  gem  that  sparkled  'mid  her  curls  of  jet, 


ISAAC   AND   KEBECCA.  123 

And  golden  bracelets  of  superior  charms 
He  gave,  to  ornament  the  maiden's  arms. 
This  done,  the  man  of  piety  and  age 
Inquired  her  kindred,  and  her  parentage : 
"  And  can,"  he  said,  "  Thy  father  well  provide 
Shelter  and  room  where  we  may  all  abide  ?" 

The  maiden  answered  with  becoming  grace  : 

"  My  kindred  are  of  Terah's  honored  race. 

I  am  Bethuel's  daughter ;  and  there  's  room 

Where  you  may  lodge,  and  you  are  free  to  come. 

The  weary  camels  also  can  abide  ; 

Our  barns  are  ample,  and  our  stores  supplied." 

The  holy  man  with  reverence  bowed  his  head, 
And  worshiped  God  with  gratitude,  and  said : 
"  For  ever  praised  be  Abraham's  God  and  Lord, 
Who  grants  his  mercy,  and  his  faithful  word 
To  my  kind  master  still.     God's  guardian  hand 
Has  led  my  journeys  to  the  wished-for  land 
Of  Abraham's  kindred,  and  to-day  I  wait, 
In  faith  and  hope,  at  labor's  city  gate." 

Arrayed  in  jewels  of  the  aged  man, 

In  haste  the  beautiful  Rebecca  ran, 

And  told'  at  home,  with  joyful,  hurried  word, 

All  that  her  eyes  had  seen — her  ears  had  heard. 

Young  Laban,  fair  Rebecca's  brother,  now 
Beheld  the  jewel  on  his  sister's  brow, 


124:  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  saw  the  bracelets,  of  superior  charms, 

Infold  and  beautify  his  sister's  arms, 

And  heard  her  say :  "  The  man  of  wealth  and  age 

Inquired  my  kindred  and  my  parentage ; 

*  And  can,'  he  said,  i  thy  father's  house  provide 

Shelter  and  room  where  we  may  all  abide  V  " 

Young  Laban  saw,  and  heard,  and  quickly  ran, 

And  thus  addressed  the  pious  aged  man  : 

"  Come  in,  and  share,  thou  blessed  of  the  Lord, 

The  comforts  that  our  house  and  barns  afford. 

My  dwelling  is  prepared  to  entertain 

My  lord  and  men,  and  all  his  princely  train. 

The  camels  need  repose;  't  is  even-tide. 

My  barns  are  ample,  and  my  stores  supplied." 

Thus  Laban  urged.     And  all  the  train  repair 
To  Laban's  dwelling,  and  his  bounty  share. 
And  Laban  cheerfully,  (his  heart  was  good,) 
Unloads  the  camels,  and  supplied  their  food ; 
And  vessels,  filled  with  cooling  water,  gave 
His  honored  guests,  their  weary  feet  to  lave. 

And  now  the  mother  and  the  maidens  spread 
The  evening  table,  crowned,  with  cheering  bread; 
And  all  are  asked,  and  urged,  and  kindly  pressed 
To  eat,  and  drink,  and  take  their  quiet  rest. 

The  trusty  servant,  ere  he  takes  his  seat, 
Declares  in  accents  firm  :  "  I  will  not  eat 


ISAAC   AND   REBECCA.  li-6 

Till  I  have  told  my  errand."     "  Speak,  my  lord," 
Foung  Laban  said,  "  we  wait  to  hear  thy  word." 
All  look  and  wondered  at  the  aged  man, 
And  Eliezer  bowed  and  thus  began : 

"I  'm  Abraham's  servant.     And  the  Lord  of  heaven 

Has  greatly  blessed  my  master.     God  has  given 

His  faithful  servant  silver,  gems,  and  gold ; 

His  camels  fill  the  plain  ;  his  flocks  the  fold  ; 

Young  men  and  maidens  hear  my  master's  voice, 

And  live  in  love  and  peace,  and  all  rejoice. 

The  man  of  faith  is  great,  and  greatly  blessed ; 

Heir  of  the  world,  and  heir  of  future  rest. 

Fair  Sarah,  Abraham's  wife,  when  old,  did  bear 

A  son,  an  only  son,  and  now  the  heir 

Of  all  my  master's  wealth.     Fair  Sarah  sleeps 

In  Hebron's  cave,  and  mourning  Isaac  weeps 

His  mother's  loss.     My  lord  has  placed  on  me 

The  sacred  oath  of  true  fidelity, 

And  said  in  solemn  words :  '  Thou  shalt  not  choose 

Of  Canaan's  sinful  daughters  Isaac's  spouse, 

But  in  my  father's  house  shalt  seek  and  find, 

Among  my  kin,  a  wife  of  virtuous  mind. 

So  shall  my  son,  in  union  sweet  accord 

With  one  who  fears,  and  loves,  and  trusts  the  Lord.' 

Thus  spake  my  master:  and  I  said,  'The  one 
Of  gifts  and  grace  to  suit  thy  only  son, 


126  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

Attached  to  kindred  and  her  native  home, 
May  never  break  those  tender  ties,  and  roam 
A  stranger  in  this  distant  promised  land. 
Thy  servant  waits  to  hear  his  lord's  command.' 
And  Abraham  said  :    '  My  God  will  surely  send 
His  angel  with  thee  as  thy  guard  and  friend ; 
Thy  way  shall  prosper  as  the  Lord  shall  guide, 
And  heaven  shall  lead  thee  to  a  chosen  bride; 
And  found,  should  her  young  heart  refuse  to  break 
The  tender  ties  of  kindred,  and  forsake 
Her  cherished  mother's  house,  thy  soul  is  free 
From  this  my  oath  of  true  fidelity.' 

I  came  this  day.     A  kind,  propitious  Power 
Had  ordered  right  the  time.     'T  was  just  the  hour 
When  bands  of  maidens  to  their  dwellings  bring 
Their  well-filled  pitchers  from  the  city's  spring. 
My  errand  filled  my  anxious  heart  with  care ; 
And  thus  to  heaven  I  poured  my  anxious  prayer: 
1  God  of  my  master  Abraham  ;  should  Thy  hand 
In  love  and  mercy  guide  me,  lo,  I  stand 
Before  the  fountain.     May  the  virgin,  Lord, 
Whom  I  shall  hail  with  this  entreating  word : 
'  Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I  would  drink  ;'  and  she 
Shall  answer  give  in  true  simplicity : 
'  My  lord  may  drink,  and  I  will  also  bring 
For  all  thy  camels  water  from  the  spring  :' 


ISAAC    AXD    REBECCA.  127 

Alay  that  industrious,  cheerful,  gentle  one, 

Be  thy  rich  gift  to  bless  my  master's  son.' 

"While  yet  my  spirit  prayed,  the  Lord  was  there, 

And  heard  my  thoughts  and  answered  all  my  prayer 

Behold,  Bebecca  to  the  well  repairs, 

Descends,  and  draws,  and  on  "her  shoulder  bears 

Her  pitcher  forth.     I  saw  the  charming  maid  ; 

Approached  with  speed,  and,  heaven-directed,  Said : 

'Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I  would  drink;'  and  she 

Beplied  in  haste  with  true  simplicity  : 

'  My  lord  may  drink,  and  I  will  also  bring 

For  all  thy  camels  water  from  the  spring.' 

I  drank ;  and  fair  Bebecca's  hand  supplied 

The  weary  beasts  till  all  were  satisfied. 

i  Whose  daughter  art  thou  V  then  I  said  ;  and  she 

Beplied  with  modest  grace  and  dignity  : 

'The  daughter  of  Bethuel,  Xahor's  son, 

Whom  Milcah  bore,  her  last,  her  cherished  one.' 

Her  words  and  deeds  my  heart  inspired,  and  now 

I  placed  the  jewel  on  Bebecca's  brow  ; 

And  gave  the  bracelets  of  superior  charms. 

'Which  well  adorn  the  industrious  maiden's  arms  ; 

And  filled  with  gratitude  I  bowed  my  head, 

Amd  worshiped  Abraham's  God,  whose  counsels  led 

My  journey  right,  that  I  this  day  might  choose 

Bethuel's  daughter,  Isaac's  beauteous  spouse. 

This  is  my  errand,  and  I  wait  to  know, 

If  ye  will  kindness  to  my  master  show. 


128  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

My  work  is  done,  and  now  my  soul  is  free 
From  Abraham's  oath  of  true  fidelity. 
What  tidings  to  my  master  shall  I  bear  ? 
"Weigh  well  my  message,  and  your  minds  declare." 

And  Laban  and  Bethuel  said :  "  The  Lord 
Has  ordered,  and  our  minds  with  heaven  accord. 
We  yield  Rebecca  to  thy  faithful  care, 
God's  chosen  wife  for  Abraham's  only  heir." 

And  when  he  heard  the  word  :  '  We  will  confide 
Rebecca  to  thy  charge  as  Isaac's  bride,' 
The  good  man  worshiped  God,  whose  gracious  powei 
Gave  heavenly  speed  in  that  most  anxious  hour. 

And  now  the  servant  from  his  ample  store 
Jewels  of  gold  and  silver  vessels  bore  ; 
And  raiment,  formed  in  many  a  flowing  fold, 
Embroidered  rich  with  vines,  and  flowers  of  gold, 
And  gave  th'  affianced  bride.     The  mother's  hands 
Are  filled  with  precious  gifts  ;  and  Laban  stands 
Rejoicing,  as  his  eager  eyes  run  o'er 
His  wealth  received  from  Abraham's  ample  store. 
The  good  man,  happy  with  his  day's  employ, 
They  eat  and  drink,  and  fill  their  hearts  with  joy, 
While  evening's  shades  the  weary  train  invite 
To  balmy  slumbers  through  the  peaceful  night. 


ISAAC    AND   REBECCA.  129 

The  morn  is  breaking  in  the  eastern  skies, 
The  patriarchal  band  refreshed  arise, 
And  r^ise  to  heaven  their  grateful  sacrifice. 
And  God  acknowledged  with  the  opening  day, 
Affords  protection  and  a  prosperous  way. 

His  suit  obtained,  the  servant  longs  to  bear 
The  pleasing  message  to  his  master's  heir. 
"  Send  me  away  my  tidings  to  relate. 
My  mjen  are  ready,  and  my  camels  wait. 
I  cannot  tarry  till  my  work  is  done ; 
Till  fair  Bebecca  greets  my  master's  son." 

A  brother's  love — a  mother's  fondness  cried  : 

"  A  little  season  shall  the  maid  abide, 

To  calm  the  sudden  risings  of  the  heart, 

And  then  love's  ties  shall  yield — Rebecca  shall  depart." 

The  servant  answered :  "  Urge  no  more  delay. 
The  work  is  God's ;  the  Lord  has  blessed  my  way, 
And  duty  calls.     My  master  waits  to  see 
If  heaven  has  granted  sure  prosperity." 

Her  kindred  spake  :  "  Behold  th'  approaching  bride  ; 
Her  word  shall  rule,  her  feelings  shall  decide." 

And  now  the  beautiful  Bebecca  stands 
With  jeweled  brow  and  ornamented  hands 
6* 


130  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Before  the  aged  chief.     Her  open  face 

Beamed  heavenly  sweetness  and  angelic  grace. 

"  With  this  man  wilt  thou  go  ?"  her  kindred#spake. 

And  eyes  were  fixed,  and  hearts  were  all  awake, 

To  hear  her  answer,  and  her  feelings  know ; 

And  fair  Rebecca  answered:  "I  will  go." 

~No  blush  was  there ;  no  counterfeited  art ; 

'Twas  truth,  and  faith,  and  duty,  ruled  her  heart. 

Her  answer  made,  her  purpose  firmly  given, 

All  bow  submissive  to  the  will  of  heaven. 

The  camels  girded  all  in  order  stand, 

Obedient  to  their  master's  strict  command. 

The  bride,  the  nurse,  the  maidens,  all  await 

Th'  appointed  hour,  to  pass  the  city  gate. 

And  seated  now  in  oriental  grace, 

Rebecca  leaves  her  home,  her  native  place, 

'Mid  prayers  of  friends,  as  her  own  spirit  dear, 

Whose  words  on  earth  her  ears  no  more  shall  hear. 

"  Go,  sister,  daughter,  kindred ;  go  and  be 

The  mother  of  that  promised  family 

Ordained  to  rise,  and  spread,  and  multiply, 

Like  autumn's  leaves,  and  stars  that  fill  the   sky." 

Dismissed  with  prayers  the  patriarchal  band 
Retrace  their  journey  to  the  promised  land. 
An  oriental  train,  in  princely  pride, 
Conducting  homeward  Isaac's  beauteous  bride. 


ISAAC    AXD    REBECCA.  131 

The  road  was  long ;  the  servant  led  the  way  ; 

God  was  their  guardian,  and  the  Lord  their  stay. 

"T  was  even-tide.     And  Isaac  walks  abroad. 

To  meditate,  and  pray,  and  praise  the  Lord. 

Jehovah's  works  of  power,  and  works  of  love, 

Attract  his  heart  and  lift  his  thoughts  above. 

The  sky,  the  air,  the  fields,  the  groves,  the  whole 

Surrounding  scene,  awake  his  pensive  soul 

To  holy  joys.     He  thought  of  God,  the  Lord 

Who  said :  "I  am  thy  shield  and  thy  reward." 

He  thought  of  Abraham,  and  the  promise  given : 

"Thy  seed  shall  multiply  like  stars  of  heaven." 

He  thought  of  Sarah,  sainted  mother,  blessed 

On  earth,  and  gone  to  everlasting  rest. 

He  thought  on  Haran,  and  his  kindred  there, 

And  poured  to  God  his  fervent,  anxious  prayer, 

That  heaven  would  prosper  Eliezer's  way, 

And  safe  restore  him  ere  the  close  of   day. 

He  walked,  and  mused,  and  looked,  and  looked  again, 

And  saw  far  off  the  patriarchal  train. 

A  thousand  deep  emotions,  strange  and  new, 

Possessed  his  soul,  as  Abraham's  camels  drew 

Xearer  and  nearer  to  his  gazing  eye, 

And  Isaac  walked  in  hope  and  ecstacy. 

Rebecca,  too,  was  pensive  and  serene, 

As  she  approached  her  new  abode,  the  scene 


132  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Of  marriage  comfort,  or  domestic  woe, 

As  God  may  order,  and  as  time  may  show. 

Her  heart  was  calm.     On  heaven  her  hope  relies. 

She  mused,  she  looked  ;  a  stranger  met  her  eyes 

And  woke  unusual  thoughts.     He  seemed  to  be 

A  man  of  peace,  of  worth,  of  dignity. 

"  And  who,"  Rebecca  asked,  "  of  noble  brow 

"Walks  yonder  field,  and  comes  to  meet  us  now?" 

"  The  man  who  walks  the  field,  that  man  of  prayer, 
Is  my  young  master,  Abraham's  son  and  heir. 
His  worth  and  love  thy  virtue  shall  reward ; 
He  is  thy  husband,  and  thy  destined  lord." 
Thus  Eliezer  spake.     And  from  her  place 
The  maid  descended  with  becoming  grace, 
And  took  her  vail  of  many  a  flowing  fold, 
Embroidered  rich  with  vines,  and  flowers  of  gold, 
And  covered  all  her  charms.     A  modest  bride 
Rebecca  stood  by  Eliezer's  side. 

"With  hearts  alike,  and  feelings  all  as  one, 

Bethuel's  daughter  and  the  patriarch's  son 

Now  met,  embraced ;  and  heaven  came  down  to  pour 

Its  choicest  blessings  on  that  happy  hour. 

And  walking  hand  in  hand  in  that  delightful  field, 

The  pious  servant  faithfully  revealed 

How  God  had  led  him  to  the  city  well, 

"Where  Abraham's  numerous,  honored  kindred  dwell. 


ISAAC    AND    REBECCA.  133 

How  he  had  prayed  that  heaven  his  mind  would,  guide. 
To  choose  a  humble,  virtuous,  modest  bride. 
How  God  had  heard,  and  by  His  secret  grace 
Had  led  Rebecca,  sprang  of  Terah's  race, 
To  the  deep  well ;  whose  words  and  deeds  combined, 

r  .de  sure  his  judgment,  that  the  Lord  designed 
Bethuel's  daughter  as  the  chosen  one, 
To  crown  with  joy  his  master's  only  son. 
He  told  how  auxious  friends  had  said  :    "  The  Lord 
Has  spoken,  and  our  minds  with  heaven  accord. 
We  yield  Rebecca  to  thy  faithful  care, 
Ordained  of  God  the  wife  of  Abraham's  heir." 
He  told  how  fair  Rebecca  saw  the  hand 
Of  God  directing  to  the  promised  land  ; 
And  how,  when  kindred  would  her  feelings  know, 
The  maiden  meekly  answered :  "  I  will  go." 
And  now  the  good  man  said  :  "  My  heart  is  blessed 
As  heaven's  rich  mercies  on  my  master  rest. 
My  work  is  done.     And  now  my  soul  is  free 
From  Abraham's  oath  of  true  fidelity." 

And  Isaac  owned  that  God's  most  gracious  power 
Had  joined  their  hearts  in  that  delightful  hour. 
Their  feelings  exquisite  in  union  blend, 
And  each  has  found  a  pious,  faithful  friend. 
And  walking  on,  that  pure,  enraptured  pair 
Held  converse  with  the  Lord  in  praise  and  prayer, 


134:  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  knew  that  heart  to  heart  was  freely  given, 
And  their  espousals  made  and  owned  in  heayen. 

Now  Isaac  led  his  bride  to  Sarah's  tent, 

To  be  its  light  and  cheerful  ornament. 

That  other  friend  has  come,  the  joy  of  life, 

The  beautiful,  the  loving,  virtuous  wife. 

And  Isaac  loved  Kebecca,  and  the  tears 

Shed  o'er  his  mother's  grave,  for  years  and  years 

Of  loneliness  and  mourning,  all  were  dried 

By  fond  endearments  of  his  pious  bride. 

In  her  did  Isaac  sweeter  comforts  prove 

Than  Abraham's  tenderness,  or  Sarah's  love; 

And  long  their  happy  lives  fulfilled  the  word, 

A   VLRTUOUS,    PRUDENT   WIFE,    IS    FROM   THE   LORD. 


ELIJAH 


The  first  appearance  of  Elijah  in  sacred  story  is  as  a  man 
suddenly  dropped  down  from  heaven  in  the  midst  of  the 
darkest  period  of  the  history  of  Israel.  Ever  since  the  re- 
volt of  the  ten  tribes  under  Jeroboam,  the  son  of  Xebat, 
religion  gradually  declined  ;  the  pure  institutions  of  God 
became  corrupted,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Israel  verged  very 
fast  towards  idolatry.  The  empire  was  convulsed  by  many 
commotions,  and  after  the  succession  of  a  number  of  bloody 
revolutions,  and  the  total  extinction  of  some  of  the  royal 
houses,  Ahab  became  the  king  ;  and  Jezebel,  a  Zidonian 
princess,  became  the  queen.  The  policy  of  the  government 
during  the  reign  of  these  wicked  personages  was  to  extirpate 
the  worship  of  God,  and  substitute  throughout  the  land  the 
worship  of  Baalim.  Already  many  of  the  Lord's  prophets  had 
been  slain  with  the  sword,  and  those  who  escaped  the  fury 
of  the  persecution  found  protection  by  concealment  in  the 
caves  of  the  earth.  The  altars  of  God,  very  generally,  were 
broken  down,  and  sacred  covenants  were  almost  entirely  dis- 
regarded. The  priesthood  of  Baal  appeared  to  be  in  the 
ascendency,  and   the    temples  and  altars  of  idolatry  were 

(135) 


136  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

found  in  the  capital,  and  on  every  mountain,  and  in  every 
valley  in  the  land.  The  worthy  citizens  of  Zion,  who  had 
not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal,  maintained  their  religion  in 
privacy;  the  Lord's  prophets  labored  in  retirement,  while  the 
nation  at  large  was  divided  between  those  who  decided  with 
the  court,  and  madly  devoted  themselves  to  idolatry,  and 
those  who  vacillated  between  the  two  systems  of  religion — 
the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  the  worship  of  Baal.  The 
Lord  had  already  called  the  people  to  his  service  by 
many  mercies,  and  by  many  corrections  ;  but  it  became 
necessary  for  the  Almighty  to  take  higher  ground,  and 
operate  upon  His  people  by  more  stupendous  works  of  judg- 
ment. In  the  accomplishment  of  His  purposes,  Elijah  the 
Tishbite,  of  the  land  of  Gilead,  was  His  chosen  instrument 
and  messenger.  There  is  a  mysterious  and  wild  grandeur  in 
the  character  of  the  prophet  Elijah,  which  is  only  equalled 
by  the  strange  and  terrific  scenes  in  his  history.  There  is  a 
sublimity  in  this  man  of  God  beyond  all  the  other  prophets 
in  the  Old  Testament.  He  was  raised  up  to  be  the  great 
reformer  of  his  times.  His  mission  was  to  reinstate  the 
laws  of  Sinai  in  the  Holy  Land,  and  crown  them  with  their 
ancient  honors.  His  object  was  to  decide  the  great  contro- 
versy, whether  the  Lord  or  Baal  was  the  true  God  ;  and  call 
the  nation  of  Israel  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah.  The  history 
requires  us  to  regard  Elijah  as  a  man  of  the  most  eminent 
piety,  deeply  devoted  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  anxiously 
and  fervently  longing  for  the  salvation  of  Israel.  Ahab  and 
Jezebel  are  now  successfully  prosecuting  the  work  of  idolatry. 
He  is  seated  in  his  capital,  in  the  midst  of  his  corrupt  court. 


ELIJAH.  137 

By  the  direction  of  God  Elijah  leaves  his  native  mountains 
of  Gilead,  and  appears  in  majesty  before  the  king,  and  an- 
nounces the  judgments  of  Heaven,  which  would  speedily 
convert  the  whole  empire  into  mourning  and  desolation,  and 
which  would  effect  alike  both  the  prince  and  the  people. 

Before  the  king  the  prophet  stands. 
And  publishes  the  Lord's  commands. 
"I  come  from  Israel's  living  God, 
And  bring  his  wounding,  healing  rod. 
!Ko  rain  shall  fall,  no  dew  distill 
On  forest,  field ;  on  vale,  •  or  hill ; 
Unless  my  word  of  fervent  prayer 
Shall  reach  Jehovah's  gracious  ear." 

God  came  in  love.     Elijah  heard 
The  sweet,  the  calm,  inspiring  word. 
u  Eastward  depart ;  near  Jordan's  wave, 
Within  a  secret,  rocky  cave, 
Make  thy  abode ;  and  satisfy 
Thy  thirst  from  Cherith  flowing  by. 
The  ravens,  borne  on  pinions  fleet, 
Evening  and  morn  shall  bring  thy  meat; 
Thy  soul  with  grace  shall  be  imbued 
Within  thy  holy  solitude." 

The  prophet  dwells  by  Cherith's  side; 
The  ravens  daily  food  supplied ; 


138  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

From  Cherith's  flood  the  prophet  drank, 
Reclining  on  its  verdant  bank; 
And  every  month  and  every  day 
The  streamlet  failed  and  died  away, 
Till  not  a  wave  or  ripple  sped 
Over  its  dry  and  pebbled  bed. 
The  curse  had  touched  its  hidden  spring, 
And  all  its  pure  meandering. 

Earth's  stream  may  fail;  not  so  the  Fount 
That  gushes  on  the  heavenly  mount. 
God  came  in  love;  Elijah  heard 
The  sweet,  the  calm,  inspiring  word : 
"Arise,  depart  from  Israel; 
In  Zarephath  of  Zidon  dwell ; 
A  Gentile  widow,  in  my  name, 
Shall  fill  thy  cup — thy  life  sustain." 

Obedient  to  his  Lord's  commands 

In  Zarephath  the  prophet  stands.; 

And  saw  the  widow  gathering  wood 

To  dress  her  last,  her  little  food  ; 

And  hailed  her  thus :  "  Return  and  bring 

Refreshing  water  from  the  spring: 

And  from  thy  board  which  God  has  spared, 

Bring  nourishing  and  cheering  bread." 

"  O,  stranger !  as  Jehovah  lives, 
And  food  supplies  and  water  gives, 


ELIJAH.  139 

I  have  no  bread.    God's  rod  I  feel. 

A  little  oil,  a  little  meal, 

Alone  remain.     This  little  wood 

Will  dress  my  last  sustaining  food, 

Myself  and  son  to  satisfy, 

And  we  will  eat  the  bread  and  die." 

"Fear  not.    Go  do  as  thou  hast  said, 
But  bring  me  first  a  little  bread. 
I  come  from  Israel's  God  and  Lord, 
And  brins:  His  life-sustainino-  word. 
The  cruise  and  barrel  shall  not  waste. 
Replenished  by  the  power  of  grace, 
This  word  of  promise  shall  remain 
Till  God  has  blessed  the  land  again." 

O  faith !  thou  hast  a  living  power 
To  calm  the  heart  in  sorrow's  hour; 
The  future  promise  touched  by  thee, 
Is  present — bright  reality  ! 
The  Gentile  widow  trusts  the  word, 
And  lives  on  Israel's  faithful  Lord. 
The  cruise  and  barrel  did  not  waste. 
Replenished  by  the  power  of  grace, 
The  prophet  and  the  household  fed 
In  cheerfulness  on  heavenly  bread. 

The  staff  of  life  divinely  given, 
Received  at  morn,  at  noon,  and  even, 


140  SACRED   PAEAPHEASES. 

Had  not  the  self-sustaining  power 

To  drive  afar  the  dying  hour. 

The  widow  walks  no  more  in  joy; 

Her  arms  infold  her  lifeless  boy ; 

While  thro'  her  soul  strange  feelings  ran, 

In  presence  of  the  holy  man. 

uO  man  of  God,  why  art  thou  sent 

To  show  my  sins  by  punishment  ? " 

The  prophet  in  his  chamber  laid 

The  lifeless  child,  and  o'er  it  prayed 

The  fervent,  agonizing  prayer, 

That  reached  Jehovah's  gracious  ear. 

And  in  his  hand  Elijah  led 

The  blooming  child  with  lively  tread. 

The  mother's  heart  o'erflowed  with  joy, 

As  she  embraced  her  living  boy. 

No  more  she  feels  the  chastening  rod ; 

No  more  distrusts  the  man  of  God ; 

But  bows  in  peace  before  the  Lord, 

And  rests  upon  the  prophet's  word ; 

And  two  full  years  the  household  fed 

In  cheerfulness  on  heavenly  bread. 

Long  was  the  time  since  dew  or  rain 
Had  fallen  on  mountain,  hill,  or  plain. 
The  flocks  and  herds  in  trying  hours 
Had  asked,  in  vain,  for  genial  showers. 


ELIJAH.  141 

Proud  man  grew  faint  beneath  the  hand 
That  smote  the  tribes — that  smote  the  land; 
And  all  the  empire  felt  the  rod, 
And  groaned  beneath  the  stroke  of  God. 
But  Israel  knew  a  heavier  doom ; 
The  holy  church  was  robed  in  gloom. 
No  dew  of  grace  for  years  distills 
On  Zion's  vales — on  Zion's  hills. 

By  ravens  fed,  near  Jordan's  wave, 

Within  his  secret,  rocky  cave, 

The  prophet  dwelt,  till  failed  the  brook 

From  which  the  cooling  draught  he  took. 

In  Zidon  now  Elijah  stands ; 

His  board  is  spread  by  Gentile  hands 

From  oil  that  fails  not,  and  from  meal, 

A  never  ceasing  miracle. 

And  there  he  proved  the  power  of  prayer, 

That  reached  Jehovah's  gracious  ear; 

And  raised  from  death  the  dear-loved  boy, 

And  filled  the  widow's  soul  with  joy. 

These  miracles  of  power  and  grace 
The  holy  prophet's  spirit  brace, 
Again  to  hear  th'  inspiring  word 
Of  Israel's  faithful,  living  Lord. 
"  Go  show  thyself  to  Ahab.     I 
Will  ope  the  windows  of  the  sky, 


142  SACKED     PARAPHRASES. 

And  on  the  earth  will  ponr  again 
In  copious  showers  the  genial  rain." 

The  prophet's  holy  soul  is  stirred, 

To  hear  Jehovah's  gracious  word. 

Happy  to  honor  God,  and  intercede 

For  "blessings  on  the  thirsty  land,  with  speed 

Elijah  takes  his  way  once  more,  to  bring 

The  messages  of  God  to  Israel's  king, 


O'er  Ahab's  house  a  prudent  man  was  set; 
A  man  who  greatly  feared  and  loved  the  Lord, 
And  showed  his  care  for  Israel's  bleeding  cause. 
'T  was  even  so  :  when  Ahab's  bloody  queen, 
On  idols  mad,  God's  faithful  prophets  slew, 
The  good  man  Obadiah  spread  his  guardian  shield 
O'er  prophets  of  the  Lord,  and  saved  in  caves 
A  hundred  shepherds  of  the  weary  flock. 
Within  Samaria's  walls  the  tyrant  sat, 
The  good  man  Obadiah  by  his  side. 
The  herds  were  dying  in  the  stall.     In  fields 
The  flocks  were  faint ;  and  man,  in  country  tent 
And  city  hall,  was  groaning  'neath  the  curse. 
The  man  of  God  was  on  th'  way  to  bless 
The  land,  and  triumph  o'er  the  idol's  power. 
The  king,  unhumbled,  to  his  servant  spake  : 
"  Go,  search  the  land,  and  every  fountain  find. 


ELIJAH.  143 

find  every  stream,  and  lake,  and  living  spring. 

A  gleam  of  hope  still  lives,  that  something  green 

May  yet  exist  to  save  the  dying  herds." 

Towards  the  north  the  king,  with  staff  in  hand, 

Pursues  his  way.     The  curse  has  gone  before. 

Good  Obadiah  roams  by  southern  streams 

And  springs.     The  wrath  of  heaven  has  touched  them 

all, 
But  near  him  stands  the  man  of  God,  with  power 
To  break  their  seals,  and  let  the  waters  flow. 
He  saw  Elijah,  in  his  mantle  wrapped, 
Serene  and  calm,  as  God's  own  messenger. 
He  knew  the  venerable  seer,  and  bowed 
With  reverence  due  and  deep  surprise,  and  said : 
"  Art  thou,  indeed,  my  lord,  Elijah  \ " 
"I  am.     Go  tell  thy  lord,  lo,  here  Elijah  stands." 
That  word  an  arrow  was  that  pierced  his  heart. 
The  good  man's  eye  of  faith  turned  from  his  God, 
And  reason's  eye  saw  clouds  arising  dark, 
Presaging  ills  and  threatening  violence. 
"  What  is  my  sin,"  he  cried,  "  O  man  of  God  ? 
And  why  to  death  thy  servant  wilt  thou  yield  ? 
As  thy  god  liveth,  each  surrounding  state 
The  king  with  zeal  has  searched,  to  find  my  lord ; 
And  each  the  oath  has  given,  they  found  thee  not. 
And  now  thou  sayest :  '  Go  tell  thy  master,  here 
Elijah  stands;'  and  as  I  go,  afar 
God's  Spirit  thee  shall  bear ;  and  Ahab  mocked, 


144  SACKED     PARAPHKASES. 

My  life  shall  take.     Was  not  my  master  told 
My  holy  care  for  Israel's  bleeding  cause, 
"When  Ahab's  bloody  queen  the  prophets  slew  ? 
A  hundred  faithful  shepherds,  saved  in  caves, 
On  bread  and  water  fed,  bespeak  my  love 
To  heaven,  and  tempt  the  king  to  watch  my  steps. 
And  now  thou  sayest :  '  Go  tell  thy  master,  here 
Elijah  stands.'     The  king  my  life  shall  take." 
"As  lives  the  Lord  of  hosts,  this  day  my  face 
The  king  shall  see."    That  word  drove  back  the  clouds. 
The  heavens  grew  clear.     The  good  man's  eye 
Of  faith  rests  calm  and  fixed  upon  his  God ; 
And  Obadiah  bears  the  message  to  his  lord. 
Now  face  to  face  the  king  and  prophet  stand. 
'T  was  heaven  and  hell  in  fearful  conflict  met. 
The  awful  silence  Ahab  breaks :  "  Art  thou 
The  man  that  troubleth  Israel?"     Serene 
And  awe-inspiring  stood  the  seer,  and  said : 
"  Not  I  have  Israel  troubled  :  thou  and  thy 
Father's  house  have  filled  the  land  with  woe. 
God's  laws  thou  hast  despised  ;  thy  knees  have  bow'd 
In  Baalim's  shrines ;  thy  lips  have  kissed  the  god. 
Thy  sins  like  mountains  rise  and  reach  the  heavens ; 
Thy  sins  bring  down  to  earth  Jehovah's  ire. 
Meet  me  on  Carmel  with  the  assembled  tribes ; 
With  Baal's  prophets  meet  me  on  the  hill, 
And  gather  from  the  groves  the  priests  who  serve 


ELIJAH.  145 

The  lewd  Zidonian  goddess :  with  them  all 
Meet  rue  on  Carmel." 

Ahab  heard  the  word, 
And  called  the  gathering  of  the  mighty  host. 
From  shrine  to  grove,  from  hill  to  vale,  from  hall 
To  cottage  ran  the  thrilling  word  :  "  Meet  all 
On  Carmel.     There  the  great  Elijah  meet." 

The  prophet  stands  on  Carmel's  lofty  brow 
And  weeps  that  Israel  will  not  see  the  Lord. 
Below  the  ocean  roars  and  bounds  his  view. 
Fast  by  the  mountain's  base  the  Kishon  runs. 
Beyond,  wide  spread,  the  vale  of  Esdrelon 
Extends  ;  and  far  away  mount  Tabor  lifts 
His  top  to  heaven.     His  eye  on  Nazareth  rests. 
Beyond,  the  Galilean  sea  sparkles 
In  the  deep  blue  horizon.     Xorthward  stand 
The  hills  of  Lebanon  with  summits  crowned 
"With  clouds :  all,  all  declare  the  God  of  power. 
But  Israel  blinded  will  not  see  the  Lord. 
But  other  scenes  arrest  the  prophet's  eye. 
The  hosts  of  Israel  gather  round  the  mount, 
Arranged  in  separate  tribes,  in  mournful  bands. 
The  God-despising  idol  prophets  came. 
Priests  of  the  grove  in  lewd  attire  were  there. 
The  king  and  court,  the  counselors  of  state, 
"With  tent  and  chariots  joined  the  assembled  throng. 
7 


146  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

"Wrapped  in  his  mantle,  calm  the  prophet  stood. 

The  scene  was  solemn.     Stillness  reigned.     The  host 

Was  all  prepared  to  hear  the  man  of  God. 

"  How  long  halt  ye  between  two  opinions. 

If  Jehovah  be  God,  follow  Him. 

If  Baal  be  God,  follow  him." 

The  stillness  reigns.     O'erawed  the  people  stand. 

The  power  of  God  has  every  conscience  touched. 

Elijah  spake  :  "  I,  even  I  alone 

Remain  a  prophet  of  the  Lord.     Many 

The  priests  who  daily  bow  at  Baal's  shrine. 

Two  altars  shall  be  reared  ;  two  victims  slain ; 

Call  on  your  God ;  and  I  Jehovah  will 

Invoke.     The  God  who  speaks  from  heaven  by  fire, 

The  same  shall  be  the  everlasting  God, 

The  God  to  worship,  honor,  and  obey." 

From  all  the  host  was  heard  the  loud  "Amen." 

The  victim  on  the  idol's  altar  lies ; 

Hundreds  of  prophets  circle  it  around. 

From  morn  till  noon  the  frenzied  cry  arose  : 

"  O  Baal,  hear !    O  Baal,  speak  by  fire." 

~No  fire  ;  no  voice  ;  no  answer  came  from  heaven. 

Elijah  mocking  spake :  "  Yet  louder  call. 

Thy  god  may  meditate  on  things  profound. 

May  converse  hold  :  may  journey  far  from  home, 

Or,  worn  with  toil,  perchance,  thy  god  may  sleep. 

Yet  louder  call — the  sleeper  may  awake." 


ELIJAH.  147 

From  morn  till  evening  sacrifice  the  rocks 

Of  Carmel  echoed  far  and  wide  the  cry : 

"O   Baal,  hear!     O  Baal,   speak  by  fire." 

And  blood  was  shed,  and  hymns  were  sung,  and  still 

Ko  fire ;  no  voice ;  no  answer  came  from  heaven. 

'T  was  just  the  hour  of  evening  sacrifice. 

Majestic  stood  the  prophet  of  the  Lord. 

The  tribes  of  Israel  gathered  near  his  side 

God's  broken  altar  now  the  seer  repaired ; 

Arranged  thereon  twelve  emblematic  stones ; 

In  order  placed  the  wood  ;  the  victim  slew ; 

And  over  altar,  offering,  wood,  and  earth, 

In  large  abundance  water  poured. 

The  work  is  done.     Ten  thousand  eyes  are  fixed 

Intent  on  that  strange  scene.     The  king,  the  court, 

The  frenzied  priests  of  Baal  gaze  with  fear. 

E'en  Satan  looks,  and  God  beholds  the  work. 

Beside  that  altar  stood  Elijah,  calm, 

Serene,  and  lifts  his  heart  in  prayer  to  Heaven  : 

"  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  Israel ! 

This  day  make  known  that  Thou  art  God,  the  Lord 

In  Israel.     That  I  Thy  servant  am. 

That  all  my  works  are  done  at  Thy  command. 

Hear  me,  O  Lord,  and  make  this  people  know 

That  Thou,  Jehovah,  art  alone  the  true, 

The  living  God  ;  and  make  Thy  children  feel 

That  Thou  hast  called  them  back  to  worship  Thee." 


148  SACKED     PARAPHRASES. 

The  voice  of  prayer  is  heard.     The  heavens  are  rent. 
The  rushing  fire  from  God  descends.     The  wood, 
The  stones,  the  water,  and  the  sacrifice, 
Commingling  with  the  flames,  in  volumes  roll 
Heavenward,  to  all  assurance  bright,  that  God 
Alone  the  true  Jehovah  is. 

The  hosts  of  Israel  saw ;  with  true  reverence  bowed. 
One  long  and  universal  shout  arose: 
"  The  Lord,  He  is  the  God."     Mount  Carmel  shook 
And  echoed  back  :    "  The  Lord,  He  is  the  God." 
The  idol  altars  fell.     Priesthood  and  gods 
Were  stricken  down  before  Jehovah's  power. 
The  Lord  has  triumphed,  and  the  cause  is  won. 

The  priests  of  Baal  Moses'  law  condemns. 

The  Lord's  great  prophet  came  to  reinstate 

Jehovah's  statutes  in  the  holy  land, 

And  with  their  ancient  honors  Sinai's  tables  crown. 

The  law  shines  bright  while  Baal's  priests  are  slain. 

• 

The  fire  for  God  has  spoken.     Now  the  voice 
Of  waters  hymn  the  praises  of  the  Lord. 
At  Carmel's  base  the  host  of  Israel  wait. 
The  idols'  strength  is  broken.     Many  hearts 
The  God  of  truth  have  owned  with  joy. 
Now  mercy  comes  to  bless  the  weary  earth. 
The  sound  of  waters  greets  the  prophet's  ear. 
"  Arise,  O  king,  and  eat  and  drink  :  the  fount 


ELIJAH.  119 

Of  heaven  will  give  her  renovating  showers. 

On  Carmel's  lofty  brow  Elijah  sits. 

Alone  and  humble  with  the  Lord  his  God. 

The  Spirit  stirred  his  holy  soul  to  prayer — 

To  fervent,  agonizing  prayer  of  faith. 

His  faithful  servant  stood  on  higher  ground, 

And  gazed  far  off  upon  the  wide-spread  sea. 

And  still  the  prophet  agonized  with  God, 

Till  seven  times  pouring  out  his  soul  in  prayer, 

The  answer  came.     The  watchman  saw  a  cloud 

Small  as  the  hand,  arising  from  the  sea. 

The  Lord  has  heard  the  fervent  prayer  of  faith. 

"  Prepare  thy  chariot,  Ahab  ;  get  thee  down/'' 

The  heavens  grow  black  with  clouds.     The  wind  and 

storm 
Sweep  over  Carmel's  sides.     O'er  hills  and  vales, 
O'er  all  the  land  the  tempest  sweeps  along, 
And  earth,  and  man,  and  beast,  receive  with  joy 
The  teeming  flood,  and  nature  praises  God. 
The  prophet,  strengthened  by  the  hand  divine, 
Girds  up  his  loins,  and  runs,  with  holy  zeal, 
Before  the  royal  chariot  to  the  palace  gate. 
The  hosts  of  Israel  to  their  homes  return, 
Musing  on  scenes  of  wonder,  fear,  and  joy. 

The  queen  sits  anxious  in  her  guilded  hall. 
The  strife  on  Carmel  agitates  her  soul. 
Does  Baal  reign  supreme  o'er  Israel's  hosts  ? 


150  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Or  does  Elijah's  God  in  triumph  rule  ? 
Her  brow  is  marked  with  care.     "With  passion  burns 
Her  tortured  breast.     In  hope  and  fear  she  waits 
To  know  the  issues  of  that  solemn  day. 
'Mid  wind  and  rain  the  royal  chariot  comes ; 
And  Ahab  told  the  scenes  of  Carmel.     Told 
How  Baal's  prophets  called  in  vain  for  fire ; 
And  how  Elijah  mocked  the  heathen  gods. 
Told  of  the  fire  from  heaven  ;  and  how  the  host 
With  universal  voice  proclaimed  :  "  The  Lord, 
He  is  the  God  :  the  Lord,  He  is  the  God." 
Told  how  Elijah's  prayer  unsealed  the  founts 
That  poured  their  waters  o'er  the  thirsty  land  ; 
And  how  the  prophet  and  his  God  were  crowned 
With  honor.     Ahab  told  how  Baal's  priests 
Were  slain,  all  falling  by  Elijah's  sword  ; 
And  how  Jehovah  triumphed  all  that  day. 
Deep  in  her  breast  the  fires  of  passion  burned. 
Her  prophets  slain,  her  gods  despised,  her  power 
O'erthrown,  the  praises  of  Elijah's  God 
Resounding  o'er  the  land,  awoke  her  soul 
To  thoughts  of  vengeance ;  and  her  messenger 
Before  the  prophet  stands,  with  this  her  vow, 
And  this  her  threatened  wrath  :  "  Like  one  of  them 
Shall  be  thy  life  before  to-morrow's  sun 
Shall  set,  or  may  the  gods  my  life  consume." 
O  vengeance,  canst  thou  thus  the  human  breast 
Inspire!     Elijah  trembles  and  forsakes  his  post. 


ELIJAH.  151 

We  saw  the  prophet  leave  his  calm  retreat 

To  face  the  king,  and  brave  his  royal  wrath. 

We  heard  him  charge  the  monarch  and  his  house 

With  crimson  sins,  that  woke  the  ire  of  heaven, 

And  filled  the  land  with  universal  woe. 

We  saw  him  stand  on  Carmel's  lofty  brow, 

Confronting  hosts  on  hosts,  on  idols  mad ; 

Confronting  king,  and  court,  and  priesthood  vile. 

We  saw  him  at  the  altar  stand,  and  call 

The  fire  from  God  ;  and  on  the  mountain  kneel 

And  call  the  showers  from  heaven.  We  saw  the  shrine 

And  priesthood  fallen  ;  and  the  shout  we  heard  : 

"  Jehovah  is  the  true,  the  living  God." 

'T  was  faith  that  girded  up  Elijah's  soul 

To  works  of  righteousuess  and  deeds  of  power. 

'T  was  hope  that  Israel's  universal  heart 

Would  soon  return  to  love  and  fear  the  Lord, 

That  bore  him  on  rejoicing  in  his  strength. 

That  eye  of  faith  has  turned  away  from  God, 

And  reason's  eye  beholds  the  lowering  cloud, 

And  gazing  on  th'  approaching  storm,  the  man 

Who  wore  the  laurels  on  his  brow  grows  faint, 

Forsakes  the  conflict,  and  the  battle  field, 

Deeply  intent  to  shield  his  life  from  harm. 

Conflicting  thoughts  perplexed  the  prophet's  mind. 

Mysterious  moved  the  wheels  of  Providence. 

Inspiring  hope  beheld  the  victory 

Fast;  sweeping  on  with  overpowering  force. 


152  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

O'er  all  the  pleasing  prospect  unbelief 
Her  overshadowing  gloomy  pinions  cast, 
And  terror  filled  the  great  Elijah's  soul. 
Oh  who  can  tell  the  heart's  strange  mysteries 
When  smitten  by  thy  power — dark  unbelief! 
Disrobed  of  strength,  o'erwhelmed   with   fear,   dis- 
mayed, 
Disconsolate,  the  prophet  leaves  his  post, 
His  crown,  and  flies,  he  knows  not  where ; 
And  still  is  guided  by  the  God  he  loves. 
By  day,  by  night,  with  speed  he  wanders  on, 
Where  Ahab  reigns,  where  good  Jehosaphat 
Extends  his  rule,  and  lights  at  Beersheba, 
On  Judah's  utmost  verge,  fast  by  the  great, 
The  howling  wilderness.     His  servant  faint, 
No  longer  meet  for  converse  with  the  man 
Of  gloomy  thoughts,  is  left  behind ;  and  on 
He  journeyed  in  that  dark  and  awful  wild 
Where  Israel  wandered  with  the  Lord  their  God. 
We  see  the  prophet  faint,  disconsolate  ; 
His  weary  frame  and  yet  more  weary  soul 
Resting  beneath  the  wide  spread  forest  tree. 
Is  this  the  man  who  stood  a  god  on  Carmel 
These  are  Thy  chastisements,  O  God  of  grace 
INTo  light  beamed  on  the  gloom.    We  hear  the  strange 
Desire   breathed   forth,   that  death  would  close  the 

scene : 
"  It  is  enough,  O  Lord  ;  withdraw  my  life. 


ELIJAH.  153 

My  fathers  toiled  and  suffered  in  Thy  cause. 
And  thou  hast  borne  them  to  their  promised  rest ; 
And  I  'ni  no  better  than  my  fathers  were. 
The  conflict 's  heard,  and  Israel 's  not  restored: 
It  is  enough,  O  Lord,  withdraw  my  life." 
Ah,  toiling,  suffering  messenger  of  God, 
When  Zion's  cause  moves  slowly  on,  and  clouds 
Are  'round  Jehovah's  paths,  ne'er  say : 
It  is  enough,  O  Lord !    withdraw  my  life. 
Still  press  with  vigor  on ;  endure  the  cross 
Till  God  shall  call  thee  to  thy  promised  rest. 
Ah,  weary  pilgrim  in  the  vale  of  tears, 
When  foes  within  and  foes  without  strive  hard 
To  rob  thee  of  thy  peace,  and  fill  thy  path 
With  thorns — thy  daily  cup  with  woes,  ne'er  say : 
It  is  enough,  O  Lord !  withdraw  mv  life. 
Endure  with  patience  all  thy  Father's  rod, 
Till  heaven  shall  call  thee  to  thy  happy  home. 
In  hope  and  fear,  in  joy  and  grief,  in  light 
And  shade,  upon  the  mountain's  shining  top, 
Or  in  the  valley's  deepest  gloom,  ne'er  say  : 
It  is  enough,  O  Lord  !   Work  on,  toil  on ; 
And  when  thy  course  is  run — thy  trials  o'er, 
In  God's  appointed  time  thy  heart  shall  say  : 
Xow  let  thy  friend  depart  in  peace,  O  Lord  ; 
Mine  eyes  have  Thy  salvation  seen. 
Weary  and  faint  beneath  the  forest  tree 
The  prophet  sits.  '  Desponding  prayer  ne'er  greets 


154  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Jehovah's  ear.     Elijah  lives  to  see 
The  wonders  of  the  Lord  ;  to  bathe  his  soul 
In  heavenly  bliss  ;  to  plead  his  Master's  cause, 
And  bless  the  long  loved,  sinful,  suffering  tribes, 
And  in  th'  appointed  time  ascend  to  God, 
Triumphant  on  the  angels'  fiery  wings. 

Meanwhile  is  mercy  mingled  with  the  rod, 
And  God  bestows  on  his  beloved  sleep — 
The  balm  of  sorrow,  and  the  cure  of  care. 
On  the  cold  earth  Elijah  lays  him  down ; 
His  heart  is  anguished,  and  his  frame  is  faint. 
But  rest  is  there  ;  and  o'er  him  softly  steals 
The  soul's  and  body's  sweet  restorer,  sleep. 
And  as  he  slept  he  felt  an  angel's  touch, 
And  heard  an  angel's  voice :  "  Arise,  and  eat." 
The  heavenly  ministry  has  roused  the  saint. 
God  in  the  desert  has  his  table  spread. 
The  cruise  of  water  and  the  loaf  of  bread 
Refresh  the  body  and  the  mind  renew. 
Again  the  prophet  sinks  in  calm  repose, 
And  feels  a  second  time  the  angel's  touch, 
And  hears  the  angel's  voice:  "  Arise,  and  eat ; 
Long  is  thy  journey  and  thy  work  is  great. 
The  cruise  of  water  and  the  loaf  of  bread 
Shall  be  thy  strength  in  all  thy  solitude." 
The  heavenly  meal  is  taken,  and  the  life 
Sustaining  power  abides  full  forty  days 


ELIJAH.  155 

And  nights,  while  Israel's  prophet  journeyed  on 
To  Horeb  —  mount  of  God. 

Renewed  in  soul,  in  body  rendered  strong, 

Elijah  roams  the  howling  wilderness 

"Where  his  forefathers  wandered  'neath  the  cloud 

And  fire,  and  saw  the  wonders  of  the  Lord. 

Hallowed  was  every  spot  by  ancient  scenes. 

Past  histories  arose  within  his  mind 

In  all  their  strange,  their  bright  reality. 

Each  day  and  night  he  lives  with  Israel 

In  all  their  journeys  to  the  promised  land. 

With  them  he  gathers  manna  rained  from  heaven, 

And  drinks  the  water  from  the  smitten  rock. 

With  them  he  sees  the  serpent  lifted  up, 

Bright  shining  o'er  the  murmuring,  suffering  host, 

And  feels  the  virtue  in  his  vigorous  frame. 

With  them  he  sees  Mount  Sinai  all  on  flame, 

And  hears  the  Lord  proclaim  his  holy  laws. 

He  walks  with  Moses,  stands  by  Aaron's  side, 

Beholds  the  house  of  God  with  glory  Crowned  ; 

Joins  in  the  sacrifice  at  eve  and  morn, 

And  sings  high  praises  with  the  tribes  of  God. 

On  every  mountain's  side,  in  every  vale, 

In  scenes  of  trial,  and  in  scenes  of  joy, 

He  walks  and  rests  beneath  the  cloud  and  fire, 

Beholding  everywhere  the  signs  of  power, 

Of  love,  of  care,  displayed  by  Israel's  Guide. 


156  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Thus  day  by  day  the  propliet  gathered  strength, 

The  Spirit  leading  to  the  mount  of  God. 

Behold  the  wanderer,  in  his  mantle  wrapped, 

With  staff  in  hand,  winding  his  upward  course 

Thro'  tangled  woods,  and  thorns,  and  shelving  rocks 

Until  lie  stands  on  Horeb's  utmost  height. 

Not  strong  as  when  he  stood  on  Carmel's  top ; 

And  still  he  hoped  that  God  had  led  him  there 

For  purposes  of  grace  and  scenes  of  glory. 

He  thinks  of  Moses  on  the  mountain's  side, 

Meeting  Jehovah  in  the  bush  on  fire. 

He  thinks  of  Joshua  and  the  victory  won 

By  prayer  ascending  from  the  mount  to  God. 

He  thinks  of  waters  gushing  from  the  rock 

In  streams  of  mercy  to  the  fainting  host ; 

And  as  he  mused  on  God's  great  wonders  to 

His  fathers  on  that  mount,  fain  did  he  hope 

That  heaven  had  led  him  there,  to  gird  his  soul 

"With  power  to  gather  Israel — penitent, 

To  worship  wholly  at  Jehovah's  throne 

But  e'en  on  Horeb's  top  Elijah's  soul 

Must  yet  endure  God's  wounding  chastisements. 

The  sun  is  setting  on  the  distant  hills  ; 

The  shadows  slowly  climb  the  mountain's  side, 

Emblem  of  deeper  shadows  spreading  o'er 

His  troubled  mind.     A  solemn  stillness  reigns. 

The  prophet  feels  alone ;  cut  off  from  God  ; 

From  earth  shut  out. 


ELIJAH.  157 

Oh!  whither  shall  the  wanderer  take  his  way? 

He  thought  on  Horeb,  mount  of  God,  to  find 

His  gracious  Lord  and  enter  into  rest. 

Sad  disappointment  meets  him  even  there. 

Xo  further  can  he  go  ;  and  in  a  cave, 

The  borders  of  despair,  he  hides  away  : 

And  all  that  night  the  boasting  tempter  plies 

His  fiery  darts :  "  Where  is  thy  God  ?  and  where 

Thy  recompense  for  serving  with  the  Lord  ? " 

Yet  even  in  his  gloomy,  rocky  cave, 

The  prophet  was  beloved  of  God,  and  held 

Secure  from  sinking  in  despair. 

The  night  was  dark ;  behold  the  morning  comes ; 
And  with  the  morning  light  the  word  of  God 
Sounds   thro'   the   cave :    "  What   dost    thou    here, 

Elijah?" 
He  knew  the  voice  of  his  almighty  Friend. 
But  oh  how  strange ;  how  different  was  the  call 
From  all  his  hopes,  from  all  his  fond  desires ! 
He  thought  that  Providence  had  shaped  his  course, 
And  duty  led  him  to  those  sacred  heights. 
He  thought  that  God  would  meet  him  there  in  love, 
Remove  the  burden  from  his  aching  heart, 
Resolve  his  doubts,  and  fill  his  soul  with  strength, 
And  show  the  way  of  Israel's  great  redemption. 
How   strange   the   sound:    "What  dost  thou  here, 

Elijah?" 


158  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

The  call  sinks  down  into  his  troubled  soul, 
Exciting  painful  thoughts.     The  prophet  stands  ar- 

raign'd 
At  God's  tribunal.     Conscience  is  aroused. 
The  soldier  fleeing  from  the  battle  field ; 
The  wanderer  in  the  desert's  solitude ; 
The  lodger  in  the  mountain's  gloomy  cave; 
Must  answer  give  for  all  his  wayward  course. 
The  sinner  in  his  fiery  path  to  death ; 
The  sleeper  in  the  ways  that  lead  to  life ; 
The  hypocrite  'mid  holy  circles  found ; 
All,  all  must  hear  thy  stern  inquiry  made : 
"  What  dost  thou  here,  Elijah  ?  " 
That  high  demand,  applied  by  sov'reign  grace, 
Has  turned  the  thoughtless  from  the  paths  of  death 
To  deep  repentance,  and  the  ways  of  God. 
The  prophet  answered :  "  I  Ve  been  jealous 
For  the  Lord  God  of  hosts.    Israel  Thy  covenants 
Have  broken  ;  thrown  down  thy  altars ;  slain 
Thy  prophets  ;  I,  even  I  alone  am  left, 
And  now  they  seek  my  life." 

Thou  man  of  God,  in  heaven's  poised  balance  thou 
Art  weighed.     The  Lord  has  found  thee  wanting. 
Those  altars  fallen,  covenants  broken, 
Prophets  slain,  demand  thy  fervent  zeal. 
Mount  Carmel  echoing  with  the  voice :  "  The  Lord, 
He  is  the  God."     The  rushing  fire  from  heaven, 
The  genial  showers,  the  idol  priesthood  fallen, 


ELIJAH.  159 

Give  evidence  that  fields  are  ripe  for  harvest. 

The  tribes  of  Israel  famishing  for  lack 

Of  knowledge,  fainting  in  the  race,  scattered 

Like  sheep  without  the  shepherd's  care,  exposed 

To  Satan's  wiles,  in  Satan's  bondage  held, 

Demand  thy  faithful,  persevering  work : 

"  Where  is  thy  zeal '{     What  dost  thou  here,  Elijah  ? 

Arise ;  go  forth  and  stand  upon  the  mount 

Before  the  Lord." 

Upon  the  mountain's  brow  the  prophet  stands. 
Before  him  moved  sublime  the  varied  God. 
Dark  rolling  clouds  sweep  o'er  the  angry  heavens. 
The  rushing  tempest  rends  the  mountain — rends 
The  solid  rocks.     The  Lord  was  not  in  the  wind ; 
T  was  but  Jehovah's  breath,  the  sign  of  power. 
The  storm  is  o'er,  and  solemn  stillness  reigns. 
Again  the  Lord  moves  by.     The  earthquake  shakes 
Those  lofty  heights,  those  everlasting  hills, 
And  Horeb  trembles  like  the  forest  leaf, 
xhe  Lord  was  not  in  the  earthquake  ; 
5T  was  but  the  rolling  of  His  chariot  wheels — 
The  trampling  of  His  steed.     The  shock  is  o'er, 
And  all  those  hills  in  awful  stillness  rest. 
Again  the  Lord  moves  by.     Devouring  fire 
In  dreadful  volumes  sweeps  along,  and  all 
That  mountain  range  is  bright  with  flame. 
The  Lord  was  not  in  the  fire ; 


160  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

'T  was  but  the  shining  of  His  radiant  throne ; 
'T  was  but  the  gleaming  of  His  glittering  spear. 
The  prophet  stands  amazed  before' the  Lord, 
O'erwhelmed  by  tokens  of  His  awful  power. 
These  heralds  of  the  Lord  arrest  the  mind, 
Arouse  the  conscience,  stir  the  heart,  and  fill 
The  soul  with  trembling  fear  and  solemn  awe. 
The  elemental  war  is  o'er.     A  calm 
Has  settled  down  upon  those  lofty  hills, 
And  nature  rests  in  deep  and  solemn  silence. 
Again  the  Lord  .moves  by.     A  still  small  voice 
"Whispers  in  soft  and  silver  notes :  "  What  dost 
Thou  here,  Elijah  ?  "     'T  was  the  voice  of  love  — 
Of  grace.     It  reached  the  prophet's  inmost  heart, 
And  spread  thro'  all  his  powers  the  joy  of  heaven. 
The  contrite,  humble,  holy  man  of  God, 
His  face  within  his  mantle  wrapped,  and  stood 
Beside  the  entrance  of  his  rocky  cave, 
And  meekly  said :  "  I  have  been  jealous  for 
The  Lord  of  hosts.     Israel  thy  covenants 
Have  broken  ;  thrown  down  thy  altars  ;  slain 
Thy  prophets  ;  I,  even  I  alone  am  left, 
And  now  they  seek  my  life." 

Mount  Horeb's  scenes  have  taught  the  man  of  God  ; 
[Not  by  might,  not  by  power,  but  by  my  Spirit 
Shall  Israel  have  her  great  redemption. 
The  famine  reigning  o'er  the  promised  land  ; 


ELIJAH.  161 

The  supernatural  fire  on  Carmel's  height ; 

The  idol  priesthood  slain  ;  the  founts  of  heaven 

Unsealed  ;  these,  these  are  but  the  harbingers 

Of  Israel's  good.     The  still  small  voice  of  truth 

Must  gently  penetrate  fhe  people's  hearts, 

Aud  win  them  back  to  love  and  fear  the  Lord. 

The  wind,  the  earthquake,  and  the  fire,  have  done 

Their  destined  work  in  Israel ;  and  now 

The  prophet  learns  to  go,  and  speak  the  words 

Of  love  and  mercy  'mong  the  chosen  tribes. 

Elijah  hears  God's  word  :  "Keturn.     Hazael 

Anoint  to  be  the  king  o'er  Syria  ; 

Jehu  anoint  to  reign  o'er  Israel ; 

Elisha,  son  of  Shaphat,  consecrate 

My  holy  prophet  in  thy  room. 

My  foes,  who  'scape  the  slaughtering  Syrian  sword, 

Shall  Jehu  slay  ;  and  they,  who  'scape  the  spear 

Of  Jehu  in  his  fiery  zeal,  Elisha 

Shall  consume.     Yet  e'en  in  Israel 

Five  thousand  are  my  saints,  my  chosen  ones ; 

Knees  that  in  Baal's  shrine  have  never  bowed, 

And  lips  that  ne'er  have  kissed  the  god." 

Girded  with  faith  again  the  prophet  stands, 
Prompt  to  obey  his  heavenly  Master's  will, 
And  labor  constant  for  his  people's  good. 


162  SACKED     PARAPHRASES. 

Behold  Elijah,  in  his  mantle  wrapped, 

Descends  the  mountain's  side,  and  hastes  away 

To  pour  the  oil  on  men  ordained  of  God, 

His  instruments  of  wrath  and  mercy. 

As  the  dread  tempest  shook  the  mountain ;  broke 

The  rocks  in  pieces ;  so  the  Syrian  king 

Shall  desolate  the  land  of  Israel. 

As  earthquakes  rocked  those  everlasting  hills, 

So  Jehu's  car,  in  vengeance  driven,  shall  crush 

The  house  of  Ahab ;  crush  the  priests  of  Baal ; 

Dash  to  the  earth  the  idol  shrines,  and  grind 

To  dust  the  vassals  of  their  ministry ; 

And  driving  on  his  car  most  furiously, 

Shall  Jezreel  tremble ;  and  the  royal  blood 

Of  Jezebel  shall  stain  his  chariot  wheels. 

As  fire  bright  shining  on  Mount  Horeb's  top, 

The  flaming  emblem  of  devouring  wrath, 

So  shall  Elisha's  word  God's  foes  consume. 

Jehovah's  instruments  are  all  prepared, 

And  Israel  soon  shall  know  stupendous  scenes 

Of  justice,  love,  and  power. 

The  husbandman  is  plowing  in  the  field, 
Musing  on  God's  great  gift,  the  rain  from  heaven. 
He  thinks  of  Carmel,  and  the  wonders  wrought 
To  check  the  idol's  power,  and  reinstate 
The  name  and  worship  of  the  living  God  ; 
Thinks  of  Elijah,  of  his  faith  and  prayers, 


ELI  J  AH  .  163 

And  as  lie  muses  feels  the  call  of  heaven 

Stirring  his  soul  to  consecrate  his  powers 

To  God.  a  sacrifice  for  Israel's  good. 

Elijah  "s  on  his  heaven  directed  way  ; 

Beside  the  plowman  stands,  and  o'er  him  casts 

His  mantle,  sign  symbolic  of  his  call 

To  serve  Jehovah  in  prophetic  labor. 

Elisha  leaves  the  plowshare  in  the  furrow, 

Slays  the  oxen,  gives  a  sacred  farewell  feast, 

Kisses  his  father  and  his  mother,  and 

Receives  their  benediction  and  their  prayers. 

The  dew  of  youth,  the  morning  bloom  of  grace, 

Elisha  to  his  heavenly  Master  gives ; 

And  long  did  Israel  reap  the  precious  fruits 

Of  his  devoted,  holy  ministry. 

The  young  man  with  the  great  Elijah  walks, 

Drinks  of  his  spirit,  of  his  joy  partakes. 

Administers  to  all  his  wants,  and  aids 

In  every  work  of  faith  and  work  of  love 

To  gather  Israel  to  the  Lord  their  God. 

The  sacred  schools  of  learning  now  are  founded. 

Sons  of  the  prophets,  trained  with  holy  care, 

Go  forth  to  bear  the  messages  of  grace 

All  o'er  the  land.     The  still  small  voice  of  truth 

Is  heard  ;  the  reformation  hastens  on  ; 

The  Lord  is  honored,  and  the  people  saved. 


104  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  wheels  of  time  roll  on. 

The  Syrian  king  prepares  his  mighty  hosts, 

Gathers  his  allied  strength,  and  desolates 

The  Holy  Land  e'en  to  Samaria's  walls. 

But  God  will  give  the  Israelitish  prince 

The  victory  ;  will  crush  th'  invading  foe  ; 

Will  prove  his  mercy  great,  and  give  the  king 

Assurance  bright,  that  he  Jehovah  is. 

A  prophet  sounds  his  voice  in  Ahab's  ears : 

"  Thus  saith  the  Lord  :  hast  thou  beheld  this  host  ? 

I,  even  I  this  day  will  give  the  foe 

Into  thy  hand,  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I 

Am  God."     The  Syrian  hosts  are  overthrown, 

And  Israel  triumphs  thro'  Jehovah's  power. 

And  still  the  war  goes  on.     The  Syrian  king 

Again  will  brave  the  strength  of  Israel. 

Another  army  takes  the  field,  prepared 

To  conquer  on  the  wide  extended  plain. 

The  blasphemy  is  boldly  spread  abroad, 

That  Israel's  God  reigns  only  on  the  hills — 

Jehovah  in  the  valleys  has  no  power. 

The  bands  of  Israel  were  like  flocks  of  kids 

Before  the  countless  Syrian  multitudes. 

Another  prophet  stands  before  the  king. 

"  Thus  saith  the  Lord  :  the  Syrian  blasphemy, 

That  Israel's  God  reigns  only  on  the  hills — 

Jehovah  in  the  valleys  has  no  power, 

Shall  be  rebuked.     I,  even  I  to  day 


ELIJAH.  165 

Will  give  this  mighty  host  into  thy  hands, 
And  thou  shalt  know  that  I  Jehovah  am." 
Again  the  Syrian  hosts  are  overthrown, 
And  in  the  valleys  Israel's  God  prevails. 

The  captive,  humbled  monarch,  asks  for  life ; 
And  Ahab  seals  a  covenant  of  peace. 
Another  prophet  stands  before  the  king. 
"  Thus  saith  the  Lord  :  the  man  of  blasphemy 
And  blood,  whom  I  ordained  to  death,  still  lives. 
Thy  life  shall  go  for  his  life,  and  thy  people 
For  his  people." 

The  Lord  has  magnified  his  glorious  name ; 
Has  saved  his  people  from  the  invading  foe  ; 
But  Ahab  seeks  his  home,  his  capital, 
O'erwhelmed  with  gloom,  and  angry  with  the  Lord. 

»  And  still  the  wheels  of  time  roll  on. 
Ahab  has  left  the  camp,  the  battle  field, 
And  other  scenes  engage  his  troubled  mind. 
Hard  by  his  summer  palace  in  Jezreel 
Lies  Xaboth's  vineyard.    For  his  garden  grounds 
The  good  man's  patrimonial  seat  the  king 
Desires,  and  proffers  recompense  in  gold, 
Or  vineyards,  as  the  Jezreelite  may  choose. 
The  pious,  law-abiding  man  replied  : 
"The  Lord  forbid  that  I  should  alienate 
My  father's  heritage,  the  gift  of  God." 


166  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Conflicting  passions  rage  in  Ahab's  soul, 
And  like  the  troubled  sea  lie  cannot  rest. 
He  lays  him  down  upon  his  royal  couch, 
A  prey  to  wounded  pride,  and  hate,  and  gloom. 
"  Why  is  thy  spirit  sad  ? "  inquired  the  queen. 
He  told  the  story  of  the  Jezreelite : 
How  Naboth  had  denied  his  king  ;  refused 
His  plot  of  ground,  fast  by  the  palace  walls, 
For  gold  or  other  lands  as  he  might  choose. 
"  Is  this  the  king  who  reigns  in  Israel  ? 
Arise,  and  let  thy  heart  be  merry ;  eat 
And  drink  :  the  vineyard  of  the  Jezreelite, 
E'en  Naboth's,  I  will  give  into  thy  hands, 
And  all  the  Israelites  shall  learn  to  bow 
Before  the  royal  will." 

Deep  in  her  heart  revengeful  passions  burn. 

In  haste,  a  scheme  of  blasphemy  and  blood 

Is  formed,  dark  as  her  own  malignant  soul. 

The  forms  of  justice,  and  the  sacred  rites 

Of  piety,  the  impious  queen  invokes 

To  justify  the  very  deeds  of  hell. 

The  nobles  and  the  elders  of  Jezreel 

Receive  her  charge,  sealed  with  the  royal  seal. 

"  Proclaim  a  fast.     Upon  the  judgment  seat 

Set  Naboth  high.     Set  witnesses  to  say: 

This  man  reviled  the  king — blasphemed  the  Lord. 


ELIJAH.  167 

Beyond  the  city  walls  let  stones  be  cast, 
And  Xabotli's  death  shall  teach  the  people  fear." 
The  awful  work  is  done,  and  many  hearts 
Are  stain'd  with  guilt,  and  many  hands  with  blood. 
The  queen,  elate  with  fiendish  joy,  receives 
The  welcome  news,  and  in  high  triumph  said : 
"Arise,  O  king  ;  possess  the  vineyard  near 
The  palace  walls ;  the  Jezreelite  is  dead." 
The  royal  equipage  is  on  the  way  : 
Captains  and  counselors  are  at  his  side. 
The  haughty  queen  with  splendid  retinue 
Goes  forth  and  joins  them  on  the  field  of  blood. 
They  walk  the  vineyard  ;  eat  the  golden  grapes ; 
Visit  the  wine  press,  and  the  summer  house ; 
Recline  beneath  the  wide-spread  cooling  shade ; 
*And  in  their  converse  plan  their  garden  grounds; 
Arrange  their  beds  of  flowers,  their  water  founts, 
Their  pleasant  arbors,  and  their  shaded  walks ; 
And  all  are  happy  as  though  blood  had  ne'er 
Been  shed.     Hard !  hark !    There 's  footsteps  on  the 
way. 

Elijah  stands  before  the  affrighted  king  ; 
Before  his  captains,  counselors,  and  qneen. 
'T  was  like  the  meeting  at  Jehovah's  bar ; 
And  Ahab,  filled  with  consternation,  cried  : 
"  Hast  thou  found  me,  O  my  enemy  ?  " 


168  SACKED    PARAPHRASES. 

"  Yea,  I  have  found  thee.     Thou  hast  sold  thyself 

To  work  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 

Thou  hast  killed  and  taken  possession. 

"Where  dogs  the  blood  of  Naboth  licked,  shall  dogs 

Lick  thy  blood,  even  thine. 

By  violence  thy  house  shall  be  dissolved; 

Dissolved  by  blood  as  Baasha's  royal  house, 

And  as  the  house  of  Jeroboam,  Nebat's  son. 

By  Jezreel's  walls  the  dogs  shall  eat  the  flesh 

Of  Jezebel.     Thy  sons,  within  the  city  slain, 

The  dogs  shall  eat :  and  they  who  in  the  fields 

Shall  fall,  the  birds  of  heaven  shall  eat." 

On  AhaVs  guilty  soul  the  prophet's  words 

Fell  burning  deep  like  fiery  coals  of  wrath. 

He  rent  his  clothes ;  put  sackcloth  on  his  flesh ; 

And  softly  walked  in  public  places,  clothed 

In  signs  of  outward  penitence  and  grief. 

The  work  was  formal.     Still  the  king  possessed 

The  vineyard ;  still  retained  the  guilty  queen; 

Forsook  the  Lord  ;  in  Baal's  temple  bowed ; 

And  nourished  idol  rites  in  Israel. 

The  work  was  formal :  still  the  act  proclaimed 

To  queen,  and  court,  to  priest,  and  all  the  land, 

That  Ahab  saw  Jehovah's  justice,  owned 

His  guilt,  and  crowned  the  law  with  public  honor. 

And  yet  the  Lord  will  own  those  outward  signs 

By  holding  back  his  all  devouring  wrath. 


ELIJAH.  169 

Elijah  hears  the  inspiring  word  of  God : 
"Seest  thou  how  Ahab  bows  before  mv  throne? 
My  threatened  wrath  shall  slumber  in  his  day, 
But  on  his  sons  shall  my  fierce  vengeance  fall." 

The  wheels  of  time  roll  on.     The  Syrian  arrow, 
Heaven- directed,  drinks  the  blood  of  Ahab. 
The  royal  armor,  and  the  chariot  stained 
"With  gore,  washed  at  Samaria's  pool, 
FulfilleAfche  prophet's  word. 

O'er  Israel  reigns  his  first  bora,  Ahaziah, 
In  all  his  father's  footsteps  walking,  stained 
"With  all  his  mother's  heaven — provoking  sins, 
And  fostering  idol  rites  through  all  his  realm. 

The  king  is  walking  on  his  palace  walls ; 
Is  leaning  on  the  trestled  balustrade ; 
Has  fallen  headlong  from  the  fearful  height, 
And  now  lies  feeble  on-  the  royal  couch. 
The  many  wonders  by  Jehovah  wrought 
Though  all  his  father's  reign  were  o'erlooked ; 
The  flaming  signals  of  the  living  God 
Bright  shining  o'er  the  land,  were  all  despised ; 
And  turning  from  the  source  of  light  and  power, 
The  king  will  seek  the  heathen  oracle : 
"  Go  messengers,  and  ask  of  Baalzebub, 
The  god  of  Ekron." 
8 


170  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Jehovah  to  Elijah  spake  :  "Arise, 

Go  meet  the  messengers  of  Israel's  king 

And  say  :  Is  there  no  God  in  Israel  ? 

Why  seek  ye  Baalzebub,  the  god  of  Ekron  ? 

Thussaith  the  Lord:  The  king  shall  surely  die." 

"  Why  are  ye  turned  again?  "  "When  on  the  way 

A  man  came  up  and  said :  Go  tell  the  king, 

Thus  saith  the  Lord :  Is  there  no  God  in  Israel  ? 

Why  seek  ye  Baalzebub,  the  god  of  Ekron? 

The  king  shall  surely  die."  » 

The  courtly  messengers  described  the  man 

Who  met  them  with  the  fearful  words  of  God. 

A  man  serene,  majestic,  awe-inspiring; 

In  hairy  garments  clothed,  and  girt  around 

With  leathern  girdle. 

The  wounded  monarch  knew  the  portraiture, 

And  in  his  deadly  burning  wrath  exclaimed : 

"Elijah  the  Tishbite,  prophet  of  the  Lord. 

My  bravest  captain  to  my  chamber  send." 

The  valiant  captain  stands  before  his  bed, 

Prompt  to  obey  his  royal  master's  will. 

"  Go  with  thy  troop  of  fifty  ;  take  the  man 

Of  God  ;  within  my  palace  bring 

The  bold  despiser  of  the  Ekron  oracle." 

O  mortal  man  !  hast  thou  forgot  the  prayer 

That  turned  the  heavens  to  brass,  the  earth  to  iron  ? 

The  prayer  that  bade  the  clouds  descend  in  showers, 


ELIJAH 


171 


And  clothed  the  land  in  robes  of  joyful  green? 
Hast  thou  forgot  the  voice  which  called  from  heaven 
The  fire  which  burned  the  bleeding  sacrifice, 
"When  Carmel  echoed  wide  the  exultant  shout : 
The  Lord,  He  is  the  God  ?    The  gleaming  sword 
That  drank  the  blood  of  Baal's  priests  ?     The  shaft 
That  pierced  thy  father's  side,  hast  thou  forgot? 
The  signals  of  Elijah's  power  shine  bright 
O'er  all  the  land.     And  will  thou  brave  the  man 
"Who  trusts  in  God,  and  triumphs  in  His  strength?" 

High  on  the  mountain's  top  the  prophet  sits, 

Silent,  serene,  communing  with  the  Lord. 

He  sees  the  royal  troop  ascend  the  mount. 

He  sees  the  gleaming  of  their  burnished  spears. 

TTnawed,  majestic,  in  his  mantle  wrapped, 

He  sits  in  grandeur  on  his  rocky  throne. 

The  host  stands  breathless  near  that  awful  form. 

The  daring  leader  feared  to  seize  his  prey, 

And  overpowered  pronounced  his  master's  charge: 

"Thou  man  of  God,  the  king  hath  said,  Come  down." 

Elijah  spake  :  "  If  I  be  a  man  of  God 

Let  fire  from  heaven  come  down, 

And  consume  thee  and  thy  fifty." 

The  fire  from  heaven  came  down.     The  captain  and 

His  fifty  lay  in  death  beneath  the  prophet's  feet. 

High  on  the  mountain's  top  Elijah  sits, 

Silent,  serene,  communing  with  the  Lord. 


172 


SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 


Another  host  ascends  the  lofty  hill, 

And  bolder  words  salute  the  prophet's  ear. 

"  Thou  man  of  God,  the  king  hath  said,  Come  down." 

Elijah  spake :  "  If  I  be  a  man  of  God 

Let  fire  from  heaven  come  down, 

And  consume  thee  and  thy  fifty." 

The  fire  from  heaven  came  down.     The  captain  and 

His  fifty  lay  in  death  beneath  the  prophet's  feet. 

Still  sits  Elijah  on  the  mountain's  top, 

Silent,  serene,  communing  with  the  Lord. 

And  still  the  king  will  press  the  awful  war. 

Another  host  ascends  the  lofty  height. 

The  soldier  sees  the  holy  man  of  God 

Seated  sublimely  on  his  rock,  the  dead 

In  clusters  lying  round.     His  soul  is  filled 

With  reverential  awe.     He  bows  the  knee 

Submissive  at  the  prophet's  feet,  and  cries : 

"  Oh  man  of  God  !  I  pray  thee  let  my  life, 

And  the  life  of  these  thy  servants,  be  precious 

In  thy  sight.     The  fire  of  God  from  heaven 

Consumed  the  former  captains  and  their  fifties. 

Oh  may  my  life  be  precious  in  thy  sight !" 

The  cause  is  won.     Jehovah  spake:  "  Go  get 

Thee  down  ;  be  not  afraid  ;  I  am  thy  rock, 

Thy  refuge,  and  thy  sure  defence." 

'Mid  banners  waving,  armor  gleaming,  side 

By  side  the  harnessed  captain  walked  Elijah. 

The  city  gates  stand  open  wide,  and  as 


ELIJAH.  173 

A  conqueror  the  Lord's  ambassador 

Enters  the  royal  chamber,  stands  sublime 

Before  th'  enraged,  astonished  king,  and  spake 

The  message  from  Jehovah's  lips  : 

"  Thus  saith  the  Lord :  Is  there  no  God  in  Israel, 

That  ye  inquire  of  Baalzebub,  the  god 

Of  Ekron  ?    The  king  shall  surely  die." 

The  prophet  turned  away  from  that  high  scene 

Of  consternation  and  despair,  to  spread 

With  zeal  the  work  of  grace  in  Israel, 

And  Ahaziah  bowed  in  death  beneath 

The  stroke  of  God. 

The  wheels  of  time  roll  on. 

Elijah's  crowning  day  of  joy  has  come. 

The  fiery  chariot  stands  prepared  to  bear 

The  prophet  up  to  heaven,  to  rest  in  God. 

Elijah  and  Elisha  walk  the  street  of  Gilgal. 

High  thoughts  of  God,  of  heaven,  of  Israel's  good, 

Possess  their  holy  souls.     The  sacred  schools 

Once  more  the  master  will  inspire  with  words 

Of  hope,  and  o'er  them  breathe  his  farewell  prayers. 

Elijah  longed  for  solitude,  and  said : 

"  Tarry  at  Gilgal.     God  has  sent  me  down 

To  Bethel."     Elisha  longed  for  social 

Intercourse,  and  said  :  "  As  the  Lord  liveth, 

And  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee." 

So,  side  by  side,  these  holy  men  went  down 


174  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

To  Bethel.    The  prophets  of  the  sacred  school 

Came  forth,  and  said  :  "  Elisha,  knowest  thou 

That  God  will  take  thy  master  from  thy  head 

To-day  ?  "     "I  know  it  well ;  hold  ye  your  peace." 

Elijah  longed  for  solitude,  and  said : 

"  Tarry  at  Bethel.     God  has  sent  me  down 

To  Jericho."     Elisha  longed  for  social 

Intercourse,  and  said :  "  As  the  Lord  liveth, 

And  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee." 

So,  side  by  side,  the  holy  men  went  down 

To  Jericho.     The  prophets  of  the  sacred  school 

Came  forth,  and  said  :  "  Elisha,  knowest  thou 

That  God  will  take  thy  master  from  thy  head 

To-day ?"     "I  know  it  well ;  hold  ye  your  peace." 

And  still  Elijah  longed  for  solitude, 

And  said  :  "  Tarry  at  Jericho.     The  Lord 

Has  sent  me  down  to  Jordan."     Still  Elisha 

Longed  for  social  intercourse,  and  said : 

"  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth, 

I  will  not  leave  thee."     So,  side  by  side, 

These  holy  men  went  down  to  Jordan. 

Far  oif  a  band  of  fifty  prophets  stood 

To  view  the  strange,  the  grand  triumphant  scene. 

By  Jordan's  rugged  banks  Elijah  stood, 

And  with  his  mantle  smote  the  rolling  stream. 

The  waters  parted,  and  those  holy  men, 

On  dry  land  walking,  passed  the  Jordan  o'er. 

The  world  is  left  behind ;  their  walk  is  near 


ELIJAH.  175 

The  confines  of  the  better,  happy  land. 

Elijah,  almost  in  the  gates  of  glory, 

Still  loves  the  noble  work  of  doing  good. 

**  Ask  what  shall  I  do  for  thee  ere  from  thy  side 

I  *m  taken  up."     Elisha  answered  :  "  Let 

A  double  portion  of  thy  spirit  on 

Me  rest.'"     "  Great  is  thy  desire,  and  thy  request 

Is  hard.     If  thou  shalt  see  me  when  I  rise, 

Thy  great  desire  shall  be  fulfilled ;  if  not. 

Thy  hard  request  unanswered  shall  remain." 

And  as  they  walked,  and  joined  in  high  discourse 

On  Israel's  welfare,  and  the  world  of  bliss, 

A  chariot  of  fire,  and  horses  of  fire. 

Parted  those  holy  men,  and  Elijah  went  up 

By  a  whirlwind  into  heaven. 

Elisha  saw  th'  ascending  chariot,  and  exclaimed : 

"  My  father,  my  father  !     The  chariot 

Of  Israel,  and  the  horsemen  thereof! " 

In  after  times,  on  Tabors  lofty  brow 

I  see  Elijah  in  the  cloud  of  glory. 

Holding  high  converse  with  the  Son  of  God, 

Concerning  Israel's  great  redemption. 

And  faith  still  sees  the  prophet  crowned  in  heaven, 

Proof  of  the  joyful  resurrection  morn, 

All  bright  with  hues  of  immortality. 


HAMNAH. 


A    PARAPHRASE    OF    CHAPTERS    I    AND    II    OF  THE  FIRST 
BOOK   OF   SAMUEL. 


The  history  of  Hannah  is  a  domestic  story.  The  Spirit 
of  God  has  recorded  only  that  part  of  her  life  which  is  con- 
nected with  the  birth  of  her  son  Samuel,  and  his  presenta- 
tion to  the  Lord  at  Shiloh.  Many  important  lessons, 
however,  are  taught  in  this  short  portion  of  her  history. 
We  learn  the  evils  resulting  from  connecting  with  the 
divine  institution  of  marriage  the  Oriental  custom  of  bring- 
ing into  the  family  the  secondary  wife.  We  see  the  impor- 
tance of  harmony  in  a  household,  in  order  to  attend 
pleasantly  and  profitably  the  ordinances  of  religion.  We 
discover  the  value,  and  comfort,  and  reward,  of  earnest  and 
importunate  prayer.  We  discover,  with  great  delight,  how 
early  in  life  our  children  may  commence  a  course  of  piety 
and  usefulness  in  the  Church  and  in  the  world.  We  learn, 
moreover,  from  the  conduct  of  Eli,  the  evils  resulting  from 
the  neglect  of  parental  authority,  and  find  that  in  some 
cases,  in  addition  to  good  advice,  it  is  necessary  to  employ 
firm  government  and  strict  discipline.     And  the  aft^cted 


HAXXAH.  177 

mar  learn  from  this  history  that  sore  trials  frequently  usher 
in  the  greatest  comforts,  as  Hannah's  sorrows  were  over- 
ruled for  the  introduction  of  Samuel  to  the  prophetical 
office,  and  the  most  honorable  place  in  the  Church  and 
nation  of  Israel. 

"Elkanah  and  his  godly  wife 
In  Bainah  lived  a  peaceful  life; 
But  soon,  too  soon,  a  dark  cloud  throws 
A  shadow  o'er  their  sweet  repose. 
Xo  olive  plants  surround  the  board 
Of  Hannah  and  her  loving  lord. 
In  evil  hour  Elkanah's  house 
Receives  a  second,  youthful  spouse, 
Peninnah  called,  whose  children  rise, 
The  triumph  of  the  Hebrew  wives. 
The  mother  reigns  in  pride  and  scorn, 
And  Hannah's  soul  with  grief  is  torn. 
The  good  man's  house,  his  peaceful  tent, 
"No  more  is  filled  with  calm  content ; 
But  day  by  day  unholy  strife 
Mars  all  the  joys  of  wedded  life. 

In  Shiloh  stands  Jehovah  s  court. 
Thither  the  holy  tribes  resort, 
To  hold  their  rites,  with  one  accord, 
And  feast  in  -peace  before  the  Lord. 
Bobed  in  his  sacerdotal  dress, 
Eli  the  priest  is  there  to  bless. 
8* 


178  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Hophni  and  Phinehas  there  reside, 
And  over  holy  things  preside; 
Sons  of  Belial,  who  disgrace 
Their  calling  and  the  sacred  place. 

In  Shiloh's  court,  from  year  to  year, 
Elkanah  and  his  house  appear 
To  worship  God,  with  one  accord, 
And  feast  in  peace  before  the  Lord. 
And  when  from  time  to  time  they  meet, 
And  worship  at  the  mercy  seat, 
Peninnah  and  her  children  share 
The  tokens  of  the  husband's  care ; 
While  Hannah's  worthier  portions  prove 
The  pledges  of  a  dearer  love. 
Yearly  Elkanah  thus  bestows 
His  gifts,  and  partial  favor  shows ; 
And  yearly  did  Peninnah's  strife 
Mar  all  the  joys  of  Hannah's  life. 

Th'  accustomed  sacrifice  is  made. 
Peace  offerings  on  the  board  are  laid. 
The  feast  is  blessed,  but  peace  has  flown, 
And  Hannah  grieves  and  weeps  alone. 
Fainting  beneath  the  cruel  rod, 
She  cannot  eat  the  feast  of  God. 
In  tenderness  Elkanah  spake : 
My  soul  is  bleeding  for  thy  sake. 


HANNAH.  179 

The  pangs  that  wound  thy  heart  I  share, 
And  all  thy  anguish  I  could  bear. 
Sweet  Haunah !    Let  thy  sorrows  cease. 
Say  to  thy  troubled  spirit,  Peace. 
"Why  weep  ?   Thy  husband's  love  will  prove 
Better  to  thee  than  children's  love." 

As  fall  on  thirsty  land  the  showers. 
Or  dew  distills  on  drooping  flowers, 
So  gentle  tones  of  love  impart 
Eevivings  to  the  weary  heart. 
And  thus  the  Levite's  words  cousole 
The  anguish  of  the  grieved  one's  soul ; 
And  Hannah,  *nd  the  household  meet, 
And  feast  before  the  mercy  seat. 

The  sacrifice  and  feast  are  o  er, 
And  Hannah  seeks  the  temple  door, 
Xear  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  there 
She  pours  her  soul  to  God  in  prayer; 
And  every  thought  is  bathed  in  tears 
Gathered  from  woes  of  many  years. 


"  O  Lord  of  hosts !   in  agony 
Thy  handmaid  lifts  her  cries  to  Thee. 
My  heart  is  sore,  my  spirit  faints 
Beneath  the  load  of  my  complaints. 


180  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

O  Lord !   If  Thou  will  hear  my  voice, 
And  bid  me  know  a  mother's  joys, 
Thy  handmaid's  son  will  I  resign, 
And  he  shall  be  forever  Thine. 
~No  razor  shall  his  locks  displace, 
But  he  shall  stand  with  all  his  grace 
Within  Thy  courts,  before  Thy  sight, 
A  consecrated  Nazarite." 

'Twas  silent  prayer.     The  weeping  eye, 
The  face  that  spake  of  agony, 
The  moving  lips,  the  bowed  down  head, 
The  arms  upraised,  the  hands  outspread, 
All  told  of  inward,  ardtnt  prayer, 
Which  Israel's  God  alone  could  hear. 
And  yet  the  high  priest  at  the  shrine 
Mistook  the  prayer  for  fruits  of  wine; 
And  while  she  made  the  Lord  her  stay, 
He  bade  her  put  her  cups  away. 

"I  am  not  drunken,  O  my  lord! 
I  love  and  fear  my  Father's  word. 
Thy  handmaid's  heart  with  anguish  faints ; 
F  ve  poured  to  God  my  sore  complaints. 
Oh  no,  my  lord,  strong  drink  and  wine 
Have  never  touched  these  lips  of  mine. 
Think  not  thy  handmaid  e'er  should  be 
One  of  Belial's  company. 


HANNAH.  181 

Oppressed  with  grief,  a  heavy  load, 
I  've  poured  my  soul  in  prayer  to  God." 
"Daughter  of  Israel!    go  in  peace. 
May  all  thy  griefs  and  sorrows  cease: 
May  God  with  hope  thy  heart  inspire, 
And  grant  thee  all  thy  heart's  desire." 

The  suppliant  has  cast  her  care 
On  God,  who  hears  and  answers  prayer; 
And  now  her  cross  is  borne  by  Him 
Who  sits  between  the  cherubim ; 
And  Hannah  leaves  the  throne  of  grace 
With  glory  shining  in  her  face  ; 
And  now  she  moves  on  holy  ground, 
Diffusing  heavenly  sweetness  round. 
Such  joys  believing  prayer  imparts 
To  weary  minds  and  bleeding  hearts. 
At  early  dawn  the  household  rise 
And  worship  God  with  sacrifice; 
And  as  in  praise  and  prayer  they  bow, 
Elkanah  sanctions  Hannah's  vow ; 
And  holier  feelings  rule  and  reign, 
As  they  approach  their  home  again. 
So  sacred  rites  are  wisely  given, 
To  aid  us  to  our  home  in  heaven. 

There's  rest  in  Ramah.     God  bestows 
A  healing  balm  for  Hannah's  woes. 


182  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

There  's  joy  in  Eamah.     Hannah  bears 
A  son,  the  fruit  of  many  prayers ; 
And  as  her  soft  glad  eyes  behold 
The  precious  child  her  arms  infold, 
She  owns  the  gift  is  from  above, 
The  pledge  of  God's  approving  love. 
His  name  is  Samuel :  precious  word, 
Because  she  asked  him  of  the  Lord. 
That  name,  when  spoken,  will  impart 
Sweet  lessons  to  the  mother's  heart : 
How  God  was  moved  to  hear  the  cry 
She  uttered  in  her  agony : 
And  how  her  soul  was  called  to  raise 
To  heaven  adoring  love  and  praise. 

The  year  rolls  round.     To  Shiloh's  court 
The  holy  tribes  of  God  resort. 
To  Shiloh's  court,  the  place  of  prayer, 
.  Elkanah  and  his  house  repair ; 
Before  the  mercy  seat  to  bow, 
And  worship  God,  and  pay  his  vow. 
In  Hainan  Hannah  sits  alone, 
To  nurse  and  rear  her  infant  son. 
She  will  not  go  to  worship  there, 
Till  Samuel  needs  no  more  her  care. 
When  weaned,  she  said,  the  work  is  mine, 
To  take  him  to  the  holy  shrine. 


HANNAH.  183 

Elkanah  and  his  house  approve, 
And  all  is  mutual  peace  and  love. 
Oh  sacred  work  !     Oh  sweet  employ ! 
To  rear  for  God  |hat  infant  boy. 
How  pure  the  bliss  the  mother  shares 
"With  her  first  born  a  few  short  years. 
What  ties  around  her  heart  were  spun, 
By  looks  and  smiles  of  her  pure  son : 
Ties  that  her  vow  alone  could  sever, 
That  Samuel  should  be  God's  forever. 

Infolding  Samuel  in  her  arms, 
And  gazing  on  his  youthful  charms,    * 
The  mother  lifts  her  thoughts  above, 
And  weaves  a  song  of  holy  love. 
"  Sweet  babe !  I  asked  thee  of  the  Lord, 
And  He  has  hearkened  to  my  word; 
A  little  season  thou  shalt  rest 
Upon  thy  mother's  peaceful  breast. 
Dear  as  my  soul  thou  art  to  me, 
In  thy  bloom  of  infancy ; 
But  thou  art  God's,  and  I  resign 
Thee  wholly  to  the  sacred  shrine. 
Thy  mother  has  her  pure  reward 
In  lending  thee  unto  the  Lord. 
In  Shiloh  we  will  often  meet, 
And  worship  at  the  mercy  seat; 


184:  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  when  thy  mother's  race  is  run, 
And  all  thy  works  of  love  are  done ; 
When  toils  are  ended,  partings  o'er, 
"Will  rest  in  God  fojjevermore." 

The  mother  keeps  her  solemn  vow, 
And  weans  her  first  born  son,  and  now 
She  leads  him  to  the  holy  shrine, 
With  year  old  bullocks,  flour,  and  wine. 
One  offering  on  the  altar  lies, 
The  sin-atoning  sacrifice. 
They  eat  not  yet  the  sacred  feast. 
*  Before  the  robed  and  mitered  priest 
Elkanah  and  the  mother  stand, 
With  little  Samuel  in  her  hand, 
And  said :  "  I  am  that  sorrowing  one 
Thy  watchful  eyes  once  gazed  upon, 
And  saw  imploring  God  to  hear 
Her  wrestling,  agonizing  prayer. 
For  this  dear  child  I  prayed,  and  He 
Has  heard  my  cry  of  agony; 
And  now  I  lend  him  to  the  Giver, 
To  serve  Him  in  His  courts  forever." 

As  one  inspired  the  mother  stands, 
With  eyes  upraised,  and  lifted  hands, 
And  'mid  the  gathered,  waiting  throng, 
She  pours  her  soul  to  God  in  song. 


HANNAH.  185 


My  soul  rejoiceth  in  the  Lord, 
From  whom  my  comfort  flows. 

Exalted  is  my  horn  in  God 
O'er  all  my  subtle  foes. 

Pure  holiness  is  Thine,  O  Lord  ! 

Unshaken  is  Thy  throne. 
Thou  art  the  everlasting  Bock, 

And  Thou  art  God  alone. 

Talk  not  in  pride  and  arrogance, 

Ye  mortals  weak  and  frail ; 
The  Lord  beholds  the  deeds  of  men, 

And  weighs  them  in  his  scale. 

The  boasting,  mighty  warrior's  bow 

Is  broken  in  his  hand; 
While  wavering  hosts,  renewed  in  strength, 

With  noble  vigor  stand. 

The  rich  have  gloried  in  their  wealth, 
And  all  their  wealth  has  flown  ; 

While  toiling,  needy,  hungry  poor, 
To  affluence  have  grown. 


J  86  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  desolate  has  sung  for  joy, 

With  children  by  her  side; 
While  she  of  many  sons  has  failed, 

With  all  her  power  and  pride. 

The  breath  of  God  imparteth  life; 

His  power  alone  can  save; 
He  brings  the  strong  man  down  to  death  ; 

The  feeble  from  the  grave. 

The  Lord  makes  poor,  and  He  makes  riqh. 

He  casts  the  nobles  down. 
He  calls  the  beggar  from  the  dust 

To  wear  a  princely  crown. 

The  pillars  of  the  earth  are  His  ; 

Immutable  they  stand ; 
And  all  the  movements  of  the  world 

Are  ordered  by  His  hand. 

He  keeps  his  saints  in  all  their  ways 

From  every  fatal  snare; 
And. casts  the  wicked,  speechless,  down 

To  darkness  and  despair. 

The  Lord  shall  conquer  all  his  foes, 

And  all  the  world  shall  own 
The  power  of  His  anointed  King, 

The  glory  of  His  throne. 


HANNAH.  187 

Thus  Hannah,  'mid  the  gathered  throng, 
Poured  out  her  soul  to  God  in  song ; 
And  now  in  peace  before  the  Lord 
The  household  feast  with  one  accord. 
The  sacred  rites  are  o'er.     The  time 
Has  come  to  leave  the  holy  shrine. 
Near  to  the  altar  Hannah  stands 
With  little  Samuel  in  her  hands, 
And  yields  him  to  the  high  priest's  care, 
With  tender  words  and  fervent  prayer ; 
And  Samuel  finds  a  new  abode 
With  Eli  in  the  house  of  God  ; 
And  all  the  household  slowly  move 
To  Ramah,  filled  with  peace  and  love. 

In  Shiloh's  courts,  from  year  to  year, 

Elkanah  and  his  house  appear. 

With  joy  the  pious  circle  meet, 

And  worship  at  the  mercy  seat; 

For  there  the  youthful  Samuel  waits, 

And  ministers  at  Zion's  gates. 

How  pure  the  bliss !     How  great  the  joy ! 

As  Hannah  greets  her  darling  boy, 

And  praises  God,  who  bowed  His  ear 

And  heard,  and  answered  all  her  prayer. 

A  little  coat  the  mother  wove 
From  year  to  year  with  tender  love; 


188  SACKED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  every  thread  her  fingers  spun, 

Her  thoughts  were  mingled  with  her  son ; 

And  her  warm  heart  delights  to  bear 

The  raiment  for  her  child  to  wear, 

As  with  Elkanah  she  resorts 

To  worship  God  at  Shiloh's  courts. 

Thus  yearly  at  the  temple  gate 
The  Levite  and  the  mother  wait. 
"Well  pleased,  the  high  priest  sees  them  there 
Offering  their  sacrifice  and  prayer. 
He  sees  the  works  which  they  have  done 
In  offering  up  their  only  son 
And  his  parental  heart  is  moved 
To  bless  the  friends  of  God  beloved. 
"  Lord  God  of  hosts !    Thy  blessings  shed 
Most  richly  on  thy  handmaid's  head. 
May  olive  plants  surround  the  board 
Of  Hannah  and  her  loving  lord. 
Grant  that  thy  servants'  eyes  may  see 
Sons  for  the  loan  they  've  lent  to  Thee." 
The  prayer  has  reached  the  throne  of  grace, 
And  God  supplies  young  Samuel's  place ; 
And  Hannah  has  her  rich  reward 
Of  sons  and  daughters  from  the  Lord. 


HANNAH.  189 


THE   CALL   OF    SAMUEL. 

When  Samuel  was  young,  and  the  high  priest  was 
old, 

But  few  revelations  were  given. 
There  was  no  open  vision  ;  more  precious  than  gold 

"Were  the  messages  sent  down  from  heaven. 

And  Eli  had  gone  to  his  place  of  repose  ; 

His  eyes  had  waxed  feeble  and  dim  ; 
The  lamp  in  the  holy  of  holies  still  throws 

Its  rays  on  the  bright  cherubim. 

And  worn  with  the  care  and  the  work  of  the  day, 

Young  Samuel  had  gone  to  his  rest. 
The  Lord  was  his  Keeper  ;  the  Lord  was  his  Stay  ; 

And  calm  was  his  innocent  breast. 

The  temple  was  still,  aad  the  sleeping  was  sweet; 

But  a  voice  to  the  young  sleeper  came. 
It  seemed  to  proceed  from  the  high  priest's  retreat, 

And  the  voice  was  the  call  of  his  name. 

He  'rose,  and  he  ran,  at  the  call  of  his  lord, 
And  stood  at  the  couch  where  he  lay  : 

"  My  father,  thou  callest  me :  I  come  at  thy  word : 
I  am  here  thy  requests  to  obey." 


190  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

"  I  called  not,  my  son,  most  affectionate  son ; 

I  need  not  thy  time,  or  thy  care. 
He  turn  to  thy  room,  and  compose  thee  to  rest ; 

And  the  Lord  hear  the  voice  of  thy  prayer." 

He  rests  on  his  bed,  and  his  slumber  is  sweet ; 

But  the  voice  to  the  sleeper  still  came ; 
And  again  seemed  to  come  from  the  high  priest's 
retreat ; 

And  the  voice  was  the  call  of  his  name. 

And  Samuel  arose,  at  the  call  of  his  Lord, 
And  stood  at  the  couch  where  he  lay: 

"  My  Father,  thou  calledst  me :  I  come  at  thy  word: 
Thy  servant  is  here  to  obey." 

"  I  called  not,  my  son,  my  most  dutiful  son ; 

1  need  not  thy  time,  or  thy  care. 
Return  to  thy  place,  and  compose  thee  to  rest; 

And  the  Lord  hear  the  voice  of  thy  prayer." 

And  Samuel  has  gone  to  his  place  of  repose. 

Again  the  soft  voice  reached  his  ears ; 
And  that  dutiful  child  from  his  slumbers  arose, 

And  in  Eli's  lone  chamber  appears. 

"  Thou  didst  call  me,  my  father;   I  come  at  thy  word. 
'Tis  thy  call,  for  the  voice  is  thy  own." 


HANNAH.  191 

Now  Eli  perceired  that  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
Had  called  his  affectionate  son. 

"  Return  to  thy  place.     Should  the  call  from  on  high 

Continue  to  sound  in  thy  ear 
Remain  in  thy  chamber,  and  give  the  reply : 

Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  doth  hear.'' 

The  bright  sinning  vision  appeared  to  the  child, 
And  the  sound  of  his  name  filled  his  ear; 

And  Samuel  replied,  in  tones  tender  and  mild: 
"Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  doth  hear." 

"  Behold,"  saith  the  Lord :  "  I  will  lift  up  my  hand, 

And  the  priesthood  of  Eli  displace; 
And  I  '11  choose  me  a  priest,  at  the  altar  to  stand, 

Of  a  purer  and  holier  race. 

And  he  shall  fulfill  the  desires  of  my  heart, 
And  his  ways 'shall  be  righteous  and  pure. 

His  steps  from  th'  Anointed  shall  never  depart, 
And  his  house  shall  forever  endure." 

The  vision  has  passed,  and  the  temnle  is  still, 

And  Samuel  has  sunk  to  repose ; 

But  scarce  had  the  first  beams  of  morn  touched  the 
hill, 

When  the  child  from  his  slumber  arose. 


192  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


He  opened  the  doors  of  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

As  oft  lie  had  done  with  delight; 
For  he  feared  to  make  known  to  the  high  priest  the. 
word 

That  he  heard  in  the  vision  of  night. 


But  Eli  required  that  the  dutiful  child 
Should  tell  all  he  heard  on  his  bed: 

And  Samuel  made  known,  in  words  serious  and  mild, 
Every  whit  that  Jehovah  had  said. 

The  message  was  fearful ;  the  judgment  was  right ; 

And  Eli  submits  to  the  Lord: 
"Let  Him  do  what  is  righteous,  and  good  in  His 
sight ; 

And  I  bow  at  His  terrible  word." 

From  year  unto  year  to  young  Samuel  the  will 

Of  Jehovah  to  Judah  was  given; 
And  the  chosen  rejoiced,  that  the  !tord  had  ordained 

A  prophet  between  them  and  heaven. 

From  childhood  to  youth,  and  from  manhood  to  age, 
On  Samuel  the  Lord  placed  his  love. 

His  virtues  shine  bright  on  tli'  heaven  written  page, 
And  his  works  are  recorded  above. 


DAVID  AM)  GOLIATH. 


A    PARAPHRASE    OF    CHAPTER    XTTI    OF   THE    FIRST   BOOK 
OF    SAMUEL. 

The  history  of  the  conflict  between  David  and  Goliath  is 
a  warlike  scene.  Goliath  was  a  huge  giant  of  Gath,  the 
champion  in  the  army  of  the  Philistines.  David,  though 
destined  to  the  crown  of  Israel,  was  still  a  humble  shepherd 
over  the  flocks  of  Jesse,  his  father.  War  was  now  in  pro- 
gress between  Israel  and  Philistia.  Saul  had  marshaled  his 
army  on  a  range  of  hills,  and  the  lords  of  the  Philistines 
had  arranged  their  hosts  on  an  opposite  range  of  mountains. 
The  valley  of  Elah  lay  between  the  two  armies.  For  forty 
days  the  confronting  hosts  held  their  respective  positions 
without  coming  to  a  general  engagement.  Meanwhile  the 
giant  appeared  on  the  plain,  day  by  day,  and  defied  the 
armies  of  Israel,  and  proposed  to  determine  the  issue  of 
the  war  by  single  combat.  There  was  no  man  in  the  army 
of  Saul  willing  to  accept  the  challenge.  David  was  sent  by 
his  father  to  the  camp  to  visit  his  three  brothers.  Just  then 
the  armies  were  prepared  for  a  general  engagement.  As  on 
former  times,  the  giant  came  forth,  and,  in  the  presence 
9  ( 193  ) 


194  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

and  hearing  of  David,  defied  Israel  and  renewed  his  chal- 
lenge. David  was  moved,  by  his  love  to  God  and  the  honor 
of  his  country,  to  accept  the  challenge,  and  meet  the  giant 
in  single  combat.  There  is  no  scene  of  a  more  thrilling 
nature  recorded  in  all  the  wars  of  Israel.  God  made  this 
conflict  between  the  stripling  shepherd  and  the  huge  giant 
of  Gath  the  occasion  of  spreading  the  fame  of  David 
through  all  the  coasts  of  Israel;  while  Saul  made  it  the 
occasion  of  persecuting  his  servant  through  all  his  reign. 

The  Philistines  and  Israelites 

Were  marshaled  on  confronting  hights. 

The  vale  of  Elali  fills  the  space 

That  lies  between  the  mountains'  base. 

The  armies,  clothed  with  helm  and  shield, 

Behold  with  dread  this  battle  field. 

The  great  Goliath,  man  of  Gath. 
The  champion  of  the  Gentile  force, 
Forsakes  his  camp  with  pride  and  wrath, 
And  o'er  the  vale  pursues  his  course ; 
And  day  by  day  with  threatening  word 
Defies  the  armies  of  the  Lord 

He  stood  six  cubits  and  a  span, 
The  height  of  that  majestic  man. 
A  helm  of  brass  inclosed  his  head ; 
A  coat  of  mail  his  form  o'erspread ; 


DAVID     AND     GOLIATH.  195 

Five  thousand  shekels,  by  the  scale, 
"Was  that  tremendous  coat  of  mail. 

Stout  greaves  of  brass  his  legs  embraced 

A  brazen  target  lay  between 

His  wide-spread  shoulders,  firmly  laced. 

His  spear  was  like  the  weaver's  beam. 

A  stately  herald  bore  a  shield 

Before  him  on  the  battle  field. 

"With  scorn  and  pride  the  giant  trod, 
And  thus  defied  the  hosts  of  God : 
"  W^hy  come  ye  forth  to  spread  your  lines 
"Where  our  triumphant  banner  shines  ? 
The  single  combat  shall  make  known 
What  power  shall  fill  the  royal  throne. 

Servants  of  Saul,  elect  your  man 
To  meet  me  in  the  single  war. 
I  come  the  champion  of  our  clan, 
Myself  their  chosen  conqueror. 
And  distant  hosts  shall  waiting  see, 
"Who  gains  the  well  fought  victory. 

The  Philistines  will  serve  your  Lord 
"When  I  shall  fall  beneath  his  sword. 
Our  king  shall  rule  in  that  same  hour 
"When  I  shall  slay  your  man  of  power. 


196  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Bring  forth  your  warrior:     Here  do  I 
The  armies  of  the  Lord  defy." 

The  challenge  of  that  dreaded  man 
On  startled  hearts  in  terror  fell ; 
And  as  the  proud  defiance  ran 
From  rank  to  rank  in  Israel, 
Nor  monarch,  nor  his  valiant  host, 
Could  hear  unawed  the  champion's  boast. 

For  forty  days,  at  eve  and  morn, 
The  giant  came  with  words  of  scorn : 
"  Bring  forth  your  warrior.     Here  do  I 
The  armies  of  the  Lord  defy." 
Nor  was  there  found  on  Israel's  side 
A  man  to  meet  this  son  of  pride. 

In  Bethlehem-Judah  Jesse  long 
Had  tilled  his  patrimonial  soil ; 
In  honors  rich,  in  virtue  strong, 
Beloved  by  all,  esteemed,  renowned, 
Eight  sons  the  father's  counsels  feared, 
Obeyed  his  laws,  his  will  revered. 

When  Saul  was  king,  the  Ephrathite 
"Was  crowned  with  age,  his  locks  were  white. 
The  patriot  hears  his  country's  call ; 
Three  sons  are  in  the  camp  of  Saul ; 


DAVID    AND     GOLIATH.  197 

"While  David,  youngest,  he  will  keep 
To  feed  and  guard  the  feeble  sheep. 

The  time  had  come  for  God  to  rise 
And  vindicate  his  power  and  might. 
The  aged  sire  to  David  cries : 
"  Go  seek  the  place  of  deadly  strife ; 
Thy  brethren's  health  and  welfare  prove, 
And  bring  me  back  their  pledge  of  love." 

The  well  known  voice  the  shepherd  heard, 
And  prompt  obeyed  his  father's  word. 
He  seeks  the  camp.     'T  was  just  the  hour 
When  hosts  were  ranged  in  all  their  power 
To  join  in  strife.     The  shout  and  horn 
On  Elah's  plain  were  loud  that  morn. 

'Mid  warriors,  armed  with  helm  and  shield, 
The  brothers  met.     And  as  they  spake 
The  champion  walked  that  battle  field, 
And  every  heart  did  fear  and  quake, 
Who  heard  the  challenge  :  "  Here  do  I 
The  armies  of  the  Lord  defy. 

Young  David's  soul  was  stirred  with  zeal 
For  God,  and  for  his  country's  weal. 
u  What  honors  shall  the  hero  win, 
Who  meets  and  slays  this  Philistine? 


198  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

What  his  reward  who  shall  displace 
From  Israel's  arms  this  deep  disgrace  ? 

"Who  is  this  Philistine  of  Gath, 
Who  bows  before  the  idol  shrine, 
That  he  should  come  in  scorn  and  wrath, 
And  proudly  tempt  the  power  Divine  ? 
Shall  heathen  man  uplift  his  rod 
Against  the  armies  of  our  God." 

"  The  king,"  they  said,  "  will  wealth  bestow 
On  him  who  slays  this  mighty  foe. 
The  king  will  give  his  daughter's  hand ; 
His  father's  house  shall  ever  stand 
In  Israel  free.     These  shall  he  gain     ^ 
Who  triumphs  o'er  Goliath  slain." 

In  wrath  the  elder  brother  spake : 
"  Why  hast  thou  come?     Where  are  the  sheep 
Why  leave  thy  state,  thy  work  forsake  ? 
'T  is  thine  the  feeble  flock  to  keep. 
Thy  pride  has  led  thee  thus  afar 
To  see  this  day  the  deeds  of  war." 

"  What  have  I  done  ?     Is  there  no  cause  ? 
Th'  uncircumcised  defies  our  laws, 
And  every  soul  should  burn  with  zeal 
For  God,  and  for  his  country's  weal ; 


DAVID     AND     GOLIATH.  199 

And  not  a  map.  is  nerved  with  grace 
To  wipe  away  this  deep  disgrace. 

What  honors  shall  the  Jiero  gain 
Who  triumphs  o'er  th'  insulting  foe?  " 
The  people  yet  replied  again  : 
"The  king  will  riches  large  bestow. 
In  Israel  free  his  house  shall  stand ; 
And  he  shall  win  his  daughter's  hand." 

From  rank  to  rank,  from  man  to  man, 
The  animating  tidings  ran.  * 

The  king  has  heard  the  news  with  pride, 
And  called  the  shepherd  to  his  side ; 
And  David,  trusting  in  the  Lord, 
Proclaimed  aloud  the  joyful  word. 

"  The  king,  the  court,  the  host,  may  cast 
Desponding  fears  and  cares  away ; 
The  days  of  Israel's  shame  are  passed. 
With  confidence  in  God,  to-day 
I  take  the  challenge,  and  will  go 
And  meet  in  strife  th'  insulting  foe." 

The  king  replied  :  "  Thy  rosy  hue 
And  raven  locks  proclaim  that  few 
Have  been  thy  years.     The  spear  and  shield 
Thy  youthful  hand  can  never  wield 


200  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

Like  him  of  Gath,  whose  very,  life 
"Was  nurtured  on  the  fields  of  strife." 

To  whom  the  son  of  Jesse  said : 
"Thy  servant  kept  his  father's  sheep. 
A  lamb  the  lion  took  and  fled ; 
5T  was  mine  the  feeble  lamb  to  keep ; 
And  duty  urged  me  in  the  cause; 
I  plucked  it  from  the  lion's  jaws. 

A  raging  bear,  with  hunger  bold, 
Another  lamb  took  from  the  fold ; 
I  slew  the  lion  and  the  bear, 
And  saved  the  objects  of  my  care. 
The  man  who  braves  the  hosts  of  God 
Shall  fall  beneath  the  shepherd's  rod. 

The  Lord  who  near  thy  servant  stood, 

And  gave  me  faith  and  power  to  meet 

The  bear  and  lion  of  the  wood, 

And  lay  them  lifeless  at  my  feet ; 

That  God  will  save  from  power  and  wrath 

Of  this  defying  man  of  Gath." 

And  Saul  replied  :  "  My  servant,  go, 
And  meet  in  fight  this  boasting  foe. 
The  Lord  go  with  thee  on  the  field, 
And  be  thy  refuge  and  thy  shield. 


DAVID    AXD     GOLIATH. 


201 


The  king  will  wait  in  Lope  to  see 
The  struggle  and  the  victory." 

In  arms  of  war  the  shepherd  stands. 

A  helm  of  hrass  his  head  embraced. 

A  coat  of  mail  the  king  commands, 

And  by  his  side  a  sword  is  laced. 
"  I  cannot  go  with  these,"  he  cried  ; 
"  These  arms  by  me  were  never  tried." 

The  shepherd's  staff  the  young  man  took, 
And  chose  his  weapons  from  the  brook. 
Five  polished  stones,  and  sling  well  proved  ; 
With  these  the  youthful  David  moved 
O'er  Elah's  plain,  while  hosts  afar 
Looked  down  upon  the  single  war. 

The  giant  came.     With  eye  of  scorn 
He  gazed  on  David's  youthful  brow : 
"  Am  I  a  dog,  a  beast  forlorn, 
"Whom  thou  woulds't  meet  with  staff?  Lo,  now 
The  deadly  curse  of  Ekron's  god 
Rest  on  thy  soul,  and  on  thy  rod. 

Approach,  vain  youth;  the  gods  have  given 
Thy  flesh  to  feed  the  fowls  of  heaven. 
This  arm  of  power  will  give  to-day 
Thy  lifeless  form  to  beasts  a  prey ; 
9* 


202  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

So  Israel's  armies  shall  be  cast 

Like  scattered  leaves  before  the  blast." 

The  youthful  David  said  :  "  The  sword 
And  spear,  the  brazen  helm  and  shield, 
Is  thy  defence  :  The  glorious  Lord 
Surrounds  me  on  the  battle  field. 
In  Israel's  God  do  I  confide, 
Whose  armies  thou  hast  long  defied. 

The  Lord  has  given  me  power  to  slay, 
And  I  will  take  thy  head  to-day ; 
And  give  thy  slaughtered  hosts  to  feast 
The  vulture  and  the  forest  beast ; 
That  all  the  earth  may  ever  own, 
That  God  in  Israel  has  His  throne. 

And  all  this  gathered  throng  shall  know 
The  battle  is  the  Lord's ;  and  He, 
Without  the  spear,  tlie  sword,  and  bow, 
Can  surely  give  the  victory 
The  Lord  of  hosts  will  come  this  hour, 
And  He  will  crush  your  boasted  power." 

Goliath  rose  in  arms  complete. 
His  youthful  foe  in  strife  to  meet. 
From  David's  sling  the  smooth  stone  flew, 
And  pierced  the  Giant's  forehead  through. 


DAVID     AND     GOLIATH.  203 

The  chief  fell  prostrate  on  the  ground 
And  life  came  issuing  from  the  wound. 

The  valiant  hero  quickly  ran 

And  stood  upon  the  fallen  man ; 

And  from  the  champion's  brazen  sheath 

He  drew  the  instrument  of  death. 

A  headless  form  the  foe  was  made, 

Beneath  the  keen  edged,  glittering  blade. 

So  David,  Jesse's  youthful  son, 

With  sling  and  stone  the  victory  won. 

Their  gods  o'erthrown  ;  their  champion  dead ; 

The  Philistines  in  terror  fled  ; 

And  Israel's  armies  shouting  rose,    . 

And  Judah  triumphed  o'er  their  foes. 

So  Jesus,  David's  son  and  Lord, 

On  Calvary  bruised  the  tempters  head  ; 

And  still  His  gospel  and  His  word, 

In  every  land  in  power  shall  spread. 

O'er  conquered  foes  the  Church  shall  rise, 

And  sing  His  triumphs  in  the  skies. 

The  hosts  of  God,  o'er  hill  and  plain. 
Rejoicing,  seek  their  homes  again. 
The  people  'round  the  warriors  throng, 
And  hail  them  with  the  psalm  and  song ; 


204  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

"While  trump  and  horn  proclaim  abroad, 
The  power  and  goodness  of  the  Lord. 

In  bands  the  white-robed  maidens  come, 
And  sing  the  conquering  heroes  home : 

"  Lo,  Saul  has  cast  his  thousands  down, 
And  gemmed  anew  his  royal  crown." 
But  louder  swells  the  rapturous  strain : 

"  Lo,  David  has  ten  thousands  slain." 


JONAH 


A  PAKAPHEASE  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  JONAH. 


God's  silent,  soft,  inspiring  word, 
The  Hebrew  prophet  Jonah  heard : 
"  Arise ;  to  Nineveh  repair, 
And  in  her  streets  my  wrath  declare. 
Her  sins  have  come  before  my  throne, 
And  call  My  righteous  judgments  down. 
My  high  behest  to  thee  is  given : 
Go  speak  the  malison  of  heaven." 

Afraid  to  wield  the  dreadful  rod, 
The  prophet  flees  the  face  of  God. 
The  ship  rides  gallant  in  her  port, 
And  there  the  prophet's  feet  resort. 
The  canvas  sheets  are  all  unfurled, 
And  now  she  ploughs  the  watery  world. 
From  Joppa's  mart  to  Tarshish's  ground, 
The  well-manned  ship  is  onward  bound ; 

(205) 


206  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  rocked  upon  the  heaving  deep, 
The  weary  prophet  sinks  to  sleep ; 
Dreaming,  in  vain,  t'  escape  the  face 
Of  God,  who  sees  in  every  place. 

The  Lord  has  come  in  winds  and  storms, 
And  raised  the  waves  in  fearful  forms. 
The  seamen's  strength  and  skill  are  vain, 
Against  the  raging,  foaming  main ; 
JSTor  can  they  force,  with  sail  or  oar, 
The  vessel  onward  to  the  shore. 

The  storm  was  strange,  and  seemed  to  speak 
Of  gods  in  wrath  upon  the  deep. 
Perplexed,  amazed,  and  in  despair, 
Each  to  his  god  pours  forth  his  prayer, 
And  casts  rich  treasures  from  the  deck 
To  save  the  breaking  ship  from  wreck ; 
And  while  on  crested  waves  she  rides, 
Still  sleeps  the  prophet  in  her  sides. 

The  master  sees — the  master  cries : 
"  What  meanest  thou,  O  sleeper?  Rise! 
Call  on  thy  God,  that  He  may  be 
Our  refuge  from  this  stormy  sea. 
He  may  regard  our  woeful  lot, 
And  save  us  that  we  perish  not !  " 


JONAH.  M         207 

The  mariners,  perplexed,  appeal 
To  Heaven  to  mark  the  criminal ; 
The  man  whose  sinful,  guilty  path, 
Has  stirred  the  gods,  to  come  in  wrath. 
They  cast  the  lots.     To  Heaven  they  bow, 
And  God  has  marked  His  prophet's  brow. 

No  threatening  from  the  master  broke. 
No  angry  words  the  seamen  spoke. 
His  stately  form,  and  noble  mien, 
Inspire  respect — command  esteem. 

"  O  stranger,  does  thy  conscience  know 
The  cause  of  our  o'er  whelming  woe  ? 
Thy  ways,  and  crimes,  the  gods  can  scan : 
And  art  thou  then  the  guilty  man  ? 
What  is  thy  calling  ?  What  thy  race, 
Thy  country,  and  thy  dwelling  place  ? " 
The  man  of  God,  arraigned,  confessed 
The  hidden  secrets  in  his  breast : 

"  I  am  a  Hebrew,  and  I  own 
Allegiance  to  Jehovah's  throne. 
My  worship,  fear,  and  love,  are  given 
To  God  of  earth,  and  sea,  and  heaven. 
I  am  His  prophet,  and  I  heard 
His  awe-inspiring,  solemn  word  : 
Arise ;  to  Nineveh  repair, 
And  in  her  streets  My  wrath  declare. 


208         t  SACRED  PARAPHRASES 

I  feared  to  wield  the  dreadful  rod, 
And  fled  the  presence  of  my  God ; 
But  God  has  found  me  on  the  sea. 
I  could  not  from  His  presence  flee." 

The  seamen  trembled  as  he  spake. 
"  Oh,  why  didst  thou  the  Lord  forsake, 
And  cause  His  waves  of  wrath  to  roll 
O'er  us,  and  o'er  thy  guilty  soul  ? " 
And  still  the  storm,  from  hour  to  hour, 
Increased  in  strength — increased  in  power. 

The  mariners,  inquiring,  stand : 
"What  judgments  do  thy  sins  demand? 
What  shall  thy  servants  do  to  thee, 
That  God  may  calm  this  boiling  sea?" 

Convinced,  submissive,  Jonah  spake : 
"  The  fearful  storm  is  for  my  sake. 
Jehovah's  will  is  right.     I  own 
The  justice  of  His  holy  throne. 
It  is  the  Lord  who  speaks  by  me. 
Thy  servant  cast  into  the  sea ; 
So  shall  the  rushing  tempest  cease ; 
The  boiling  ocean  sleep  in  peace." 

And  still  the  storm,  from  hour  to  hour, 
Increased  in  strange,  mysterious  power. 


JONAH.  209 

To  every  scheme  the  men  resort, 
To  urge  the  ship  to  reach  the  port ; 
But  all  in  vain  :  nor  sail,  nor  oar, 
Could  force  the  vessel  to  the  shore ; 
And  seamen  felt  to  them  was  given 
To  execute  the  will  of  heaven. 
To  Jonah's  God  they  raised  their  cry : 
"  God  of  the  land,  the  sea,  the  sky : 
Oh  Lord  of  all !  Oh  hear  our  prayer, 
And  make  our  lives  Thy  special  care. 
Nor  deem  us  guilty,  when,  for  Thee, 
We  cast  Thy  prophet  in  the  sea. 
We  are  Thy  hand.     Thine  is  the  lot. 
Oh  save  us  that  we  perish  not !  " 

The  seamen,  trembling  in  the  blast, 
In  foaming  waves  the  prophet  cast. 
The  deed  is  done.     The  tempests  cease. 
The  raging  ocean  sleeps  in  peace. 
Jehovah's  power  the  men  confessed, 
And  reverence  filled  each  seaman's  breast. 
Before  the  sacrifice  they  bow 
And  on  God's  altar  place  their  vow ; 
And  make,  in  after  times,  their  offerings  free 
To  God,  Lord  of  the  land,  and  of  the  sea. 

The  Lord  who  holds  the  ocean  in  His  hand 

And  spreads  o'er  man  and  beast  his  wide  command, 


210  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Directs  the  whale,  the  monster  of  the  deep, 

To  swallow  Jonah,  and  in  safety  keep 

The  erring  man,  until  beneath  the  rod, 

His  soul  shall  bow  submissive  to  his  God 

Three  days  and  nights  the  chastisement  remains ; 

The  whale  is  faithful,  and  his  charge  retains. 


o- 
ii. 


Then,  when  the  hand  of  justice  smites  his  soul,  ■ 
And  waves  of  anguish  o'er  his  spirit  roll ; 
Then,  when  the  power  of  God  sustains  his  breath, 
And  mercy  saves  him  from  the  jaws  of  death  ; 
When  trembling  beams  of  hope  begin  to  shine, 
And  God  seems  gracious,  and  the  heavens  benign ; 
Then  to  his  God  the  prophet  poured  his  prayer, 
The  prayer  of  faith  that  reached  Jehovah's  ear 

These  scenes  of  terror,  and  these  scenes  of  joy, 
In  times  to  come  his  grateful  heart  employ; 
And  love,  and  duty,  call  him  to  record 
The  justice,  truth,  and  mercy,  of  the  Lord. 


My  load  of  guilt  oppressed  me  sore ; 
Helpless  I  lay  at  hell's  dark  door ; 
E'en  there  to  God  I  poured  my  prayer ; 
lie  heard,  and  saved  me  from  despair. 


JONAH.  211 

Into  the  sea  Thou  didst  me  cast, 
And  all  Thy  billows  o'er  me  passed. 
In  ocean's  depths  Thou  madest  my  bed, 
And  all  Thy  waves  were  o'er  my  head. 

Then  sank  my  soul  in  darkest  night. 
I  said,  I'  m  banished  from  Thy  sight. 
Yet  I  will  look  to  Zion's  hills 
Where  victims  bleed,  and  grace  distills. 

The  waters  'round  my  sonl  were  spread. 
The  weeds  were  wrapped  about  my  head. 
The  mountains'  rocky  base  I  found. 
The  bars  of  death  inclosed  me  round. 

Yet  in  the  prison  of  despair, 

0  Lord,  my  God,  Thou  heardest  my  prayer ; 
And  by  Thy  power  and  grace  to  save, 
Hast  broke  the  bondage  of  the  grave ! 

When  fainting  in  my  dark  abode, 

1  thought  on  my  Redeemer,  God ; 
And  from  His  mercy  seat  on  high, 
He  heard  my  agonizing  cry. 

The  men  who  seek  the  idol's  shrine, 
And  disregard  the  power  Divine, 
Forsake  their  mercies,  wisely  given, 
To  bless  on  earth  and  lead  to  heaven. 


212  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

But  I  will  worship  in  Thy  house, 
And  pay  to  Thee  my  solemn  vows ; 
With  sacrifice  and  cheerful  voice, 
Within  Thy  courts  will  I  rejoice. 

Thank  offerings  I  will  yield  to  Thee, 
God  of  the  land,  and  of  the  sea ; 
And  earth  and  heaven  shall  prove  the  word 
Salvation  sure  is  of  the  Lord. 


The  power  that  smote  the  prophet's  soul, 
Has  made  his  erring  spirit  whole ; 
And  now  the  whale,  at  God's  command, 
Casts  Jonah  on  his  native  land. 

Type  of  the  power  that  was  to  come, 
And  break  the  seal  on  Joseph's  tomb, 
And  raise  from  hell  the  Holy  One, 
Our  Saviour,  God's  eternal  Son. 


hi. 


Again  God's  sure,  inspiring  word, 
The  Hebrew  prophet  Jonah  heard : 
"  Arise ;  to  Nineveh  repair, 
And  in  her  streets  my  wrath  declare. 
My  charge  to  thee  again  is  given  : 
Go  speak  the  malison  of  heaven." 


JONAH.  213 

Firm  was  the  word.     Prompt  to  obey, 
The  prophet's  feet  are  on  the  way ; 
And  compassing  the  city  round, 
He  lifts  on  high  the  startling  sound : 
"  I  come  from  Israel's  righteous  Lord, 
And  bring  His  solemn,  fearful  word. 
Thy  sins,  O  Nineveh,  have  come 
Before  Jehovah's  awful  throne. 
Thy  doom  is  sealed.     Yet  forty  days 
And  Nineveh  shall  be  o'erthrown  ! " 

From  street  to  street  the  message  ran — 

The  message  of  that  holy  man : 

And  every  where  the  people  heard 

The  death-denouncing,  awful  word : 
"  Thy  sins  have  reached  Jehovah's  throne, 

And  Nineveh  shall  be  o'erthrown." 

The  people  catch  the  thrilling  sound, 

And  spread  the  dreadful  tidings  round ; 

And  every  where,  in  wild  dismay, 

The  conscience  smitten  Gentiles  say  : 
"  Our  sins  have  reached  Jehovah's  throne, 

And  Nineveh  shall  be  o'erthrown." 

The  Lord,  who  came  with  frowning  face, 
Came  with  His  Spirit  and  His  grace. 
The  people  bowed  beneath  the  rod ; 
Believed  and  feared  the  word  of  God  ; 


214  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  self-condemned  lay  down  in  dust, 
And  owned  that  Israel's  God  was  just. 
The  king  has  heard  Jehovah's  word, 
And  fears  the  death-devouring  sword  ; 
And  conscious  that  his  regal  power 
Can  never  brave  the  coming  hour, 
Forsakes  his  throne  of  sin  and  pride, 
And  lays  his  jeweled  robes  aside. 
Takes  from  his  head  the  royal  crown, 
And,  clothed  in  sackcloth,  lays  him  down, 
A  penitent  beneath  the  rod, 
And  justifies  the  ways  of  God. 

Around  the  king  the  heralds  stand, 
To  spread  abroad  the  high  command 
Ordained  by  king  and  court,  and  given 
By  duty's  call  and  hope  of  heaven. 
The  high  decree  reached  every  man, 
And  thus  the  proclamation  ran : 
"  No  man  or  beast  shall  food  partake, 
Nor  herds  or  flocks  their  thirst  shall  slake ; 
Both  man  and  beast  shall  sackcloth  wear, 
And  pour  to  God  incessant  prayer ; 
And  every  man  shall  put  aside 
His  sins  of  violence  and  pride. 
Oh  !  who  can  tell  but  Israel's  God 
May  cast  away  His  threatening  rod  ? 


JONAH.  215 

Oh !  who  can  tell  but  God  may  turn, 
And  His  fierce  anger  cease  to  burn? " 
The  Lord  beheld  the  people  fall 
Before  His  throne — on  mercy  call ; 
And  saw  them  cast  their  sins  away, 
And  peaceful,  righteous  laws  obey. 
The  Lord  has  triumphed,  and  His  grace 
Preserves  the  deep  repenting  place ; 
And  Xineveh,  new  born,  makes  known 
The  mercy  of  Jehovah's  throne. 


IV. 

The  deed  of  mercy  grieved  the  prophet's  soul, 

And  murmuring  feelings  o'er  his  spirit  roll. 

He  chides  with  God  in  angry  prayer  :  "  O  Lord, 

Said  I  not  this  when  first  I  heard  Thy  word  ? 

For  this  I  fled  my  native  land — my  home, 

And  o'er  the  sea  to  distant  Tarshish  roamed. 

I  feared  o'er  Xineveh  to  hold  the  rod 

Of  the  long-suffering,  tender,  gracious  God. 

I  knew  that  Thou  wert  good  as  well  as  great ; 

That  loving  kindness  ever  on  Thee  wait. 

I  knew  in  Thee  that  wrath  was  slow  to  burn  ; 

That  from  Thy  threatened  judgment  Thou  would'st 

turn. 
Should  Kineveh  be  spared,  O  Lord,  I  pray 
That  Thou  would'st  take  my  weary  life  away. 


216  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Better  to  die  than  live,  and  bear  the  shame 
The  foe  will  cast  upon  a  lying  prophet's  name." 

Kindly  the  Lord  replied :  "  Dost  thou  do  well 
To  cherish  wrath,  and  'gainst  the  Lord  rebel?" 

No  more  the  prophet  walks  from  street  to  street. 

Beyond  the  walls  he  seeks  a  safe  retreat ; 

And  there  his  hands  a  simple  booth  have  made, 

By  night  a  shelter,  and  by  day  a  shade. 

There  long  with  anxious  heart  he  waits  to  see 

The  ending  of  this  fearful  prophecy. 

Still  to  the  erring  man  the  Lord  was  kind ; 

Protects  his  body  to  relieve  his  mind. 

The  hand  of  mercy  reared  a  gourd  to  spread 

A  cooling  shadow  over  Jonah's  head 

'T  was  loving  kindness  brought  this  sure  relief, 

To  cure  his  anguish  and  dispel  his  grief. 

The  gourd  was  grateful  to  the  prophet's  heart. 
The  cooling  shade  its  wide-spread  leaves  impart — 
Refreshed  his  weary  frame — his  spirit  soothed. 
The  gourd  was  precious,  and  the  gourd  was  loved ; 
But  oh  !    the  things  we  prize  with  fond  delight, 
Live  but  an  hour,  then  vanish  from  the  sight ; 
For  all  night  long  in  secret  ambush  lay 
The  worm  ordained  of  God  the  gourd  to  slay. 
"When  morn  arose  its  freshness  all  had  fled 
The  gourd  was  smitten,  and  its  leaves  were  dead. 


JONAH.  217 

Yea,  more ;  when  high  arose  the  burning  sun, 

God  brought  the  sultry,  ardent  east  wind  on, 

And  caused  the  noonday  beams,  with  glowing  heat, 

On  Jonah's  unprotected  head  to  beat ; 

And  fainting  underneath  the  fiery  sky, 

The  prophet  in  his  anguish  longed  to  die ; 

And  said,  while  sinking  in  the  weary  strife: 

"  To  die  is  better  than  retain  my  life." 

Still  God  was  near — was  merciful,  and  said : 
"  The  gourd  that  cast  its  shadow  o'er  thy  head^- 
Thy  refuge  and  thy  joy — that  gourd  was  mine ; 
And  dost  thou  well  to  murmur  and  repined" 

The  prophet  spake  while  passion  filled  his  soul, 
And  angry  feelings  burned  beyond  control : 
"  Yea,  I  do  well  e'en  unto  death  to  mourn, 
When  from  my  burning  head  the  gourd  is  torn. 
I  would  have  spared  the  gourd  thy  hands  had  made 
By  night  my  shelter,  and  by  day  my  shade." 

Jehovah  spoke :  "  And  would'st  thou,  pitying,  spare, 
And  make  the  gourd  thy  loving,  constant  care  ? 
That  gourd  was  mine.     Thou  did'st  not  till  the  land ; 
Nor  was  it  planted  by  thy  laboring  hand. 
It  grew  not  by  thy  will,  thy  work,  or  power ; 
It  was  the  fleeting  fabric  of  an  hour. 
Frail,  transitory  thing.     It  grew  by  night, 
And  perished  ere  the  second  morning's  light. 
10 


218  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  yet  thy  pitying  heart  would  long  retain 
The  gourd  in  beauty,  and  its  life  sustain. 
Great  Nineveh  is  mine  ;  my  work,  my  care ; 
And  shall  not  I  the  royal  city  spare  ? 
Within  her  ample  bounds,  from  street  to  street, 
Full  six  score  thousand  children  meet — 
My  innocents,  the  objects  of  my  love, 
For  whom  my  tender  mercies  ever  move 
Flocks  of  the  folds,  and  cattle  of  the  stalls, 
Unnumbered,  live  within  her  spacious  walls. 
And  Nineveh  has  kissed  the  uplifted  rod, 
And  bowed  repentant  at  the  feet  of  God. 
And  shall  not  I  the  royal  city  spare, 
To  prove  my  mercy,  and  my  grace  declare  ? 
Yea,  Nineveh,  for  years  to  come,  shall  own 
The  loving  kindness  of  Jehovah's  throne." 


PSALMS 


Sweet  Psalmist  of  Israel;   no  strains  can  impart 

A   feeling   more   tenderly   dear, 
Than    thy ,  soft   flowing   measures   that   mellow  the   heart, 

And   thrill   as   they   fall   on   the    ear. 
From   heaven   the   Spirit   of  glory   has   flown, 

And   His   pure   inspiration   has   given 
To    the   chords   of  thy   harp,   till   its   exquisite   tone 

Resembles   the   music   of  heaven. 

Let  me   hear   thy   rich   harp,   for   its   melodies   shed 

As   sweet   a   delight   through   the   soul, 
As   the  joy   that   inspired   it,   when   darkness   hacf  fled, 

And   the    first   beams   of  hope    o'er   it   stole. 
Let   me   hear   thy   rich   harp,    and   the   heart  will    forget 

The   tears    and   the    pangs   it   has   known ; 
And   the   sunshine   of  peace   and    of  rapture   shall   yet 

Guild   my   pathway    along   to   the   throne. 


220  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Oh,   I   have   said,   when   the   bleak   seasons   roll, 

And   chill   the   pure   current   of  breath, 
That   the   strains   of  thy  lyre,  as   they  fall   on   the  soul, 

Will   sweeten  the   moments   of  death. 
Should   the   tones   of  thy  rich   harp   re-kindle  the  flame, 

That   oft   in   my   soul   seemed   expiring; 
I   should   sing  thy   sweet  Psalms,   in  Immanuel's   name, 

Nor  think   of  the   sorrows   of  dying 


PSALM  I. 

THE  EIGHTEOrS  AXD  THE  WICKED. 

Happy  the  man  who  never  strays 

In  sinners'  dark  and  dangerous  ways ; 

Nor  standeth  where  th'  ungodly  meet, 

Nor  sitteth  in  the  scorner's  seat ; 

But  makes  God's  law  his  chief  delight, 

In  holy  musings  daw  and  night. 

He  shall  be  like  a  tree  that  grows 

Where  Zion's  sacred  river  flows ; 

"Whose  streams  enrich  the  stem  and  root 

And  fill  the  boughs  with  timely  fruit. 

Unwithered  shall  his  leaf  appear 

In  every  season,  year  by  year  ; 

And  Providence  shall  Dear  him  stand, 

And  bless  the  labors  of  his  hand. 

Not  so  the  wicked.     They  are  cast 
Like  chaff  before  the  winnowing  blast. 
When  justice  holds  her  even  hand, 
Sinners  in  judgment  shall  not  stand ; 

(221) 


222  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Nor  can  transgressors  find  a  place 
Among  the  white-robed  sons  of  grace. 
The  Lord  beholds,  and  loves  the  way 
The  righteous  travel  day  by  day ; 
And  when  their  pilgrimage  is  o'er, 
They  shall  be  blessed  for  ever  more. 
The  Lord  abhors  the  sinful  way 
The  ungodly  travel  night  and  day ; 
And  when  life's  journey  they  have  trod, 
Perish  beneath  the  wrath  of  God. 


PSALM  YIII. 

THE   FIRST   AND    SECOND   ADAM. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord  !  Thy  holy  name 
Shines  bright  above  the  starry  frame ; 
And  all  the  world  proclaims  abroad 
Thy  glories,  universal  Lord. 

When  I  lift  up  my  gazing  eye, 
And  view  the  etherial,  glittering  sky ; 
And  know  Thy  fingers  there  have  set 
The  brilliants  in  night's  coronet ; 

Oh !   what  is  man,  that  thou  shouldest  shrine 
His  spirit  in  Thy  love  Divine, 
And  on  him  place  so  much  of  Thee — 
The  lineaments  of  Deity  ? 


PSALMS.  223 

Thy  moulding  hand  has  fashioned  him 
One  shade  below  the  cherubim. 
His  crown  is  set  with  gems  as  fair 
As  crowns  that  shining  angels  wear. 

Ruler  and  lord  of  all  below, 

The  works  of  God  before  him  bow. 

His  sovereign  power — his  wide  command, 

Extends  o'er  sea,  and  air,  and  land. 

The  flocks  and  herds  of  every  field 
Their  homage  to  his  scepter  yield  ; 
The  forest  beasts  on  every  hill 
Honor  his  unresisted  will. 

In  oceans'  waves  the  tribes  that  float ; 
In  air  the  birds  of  every  note ; 
All,  all  submissive  bend  the  knee 
To  man's  unbounded  sovereignty. 

Fair  emblem  of  our  nature,  one 
In  union  with  the  eternal  Son, 
Exalted  near  his  Father's  seat, 
The  universe  beneath  His  feet. 

Full-orbed  in  splendor,  He  who  died, 
The  Son  of  God,  the  crucified, 
Reigns  Lord  o'er  all.     Oh,  who  can  tell 
The  glories  of  Immanuel ! 


224:  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

A  heaven,  with  gems  of  richer  hue, 
Breaks  on  my  soul's  enraptured  view, 
As  faith,  and  hope,  and  knowledge,  trace 
The  new  created  world  of  grace. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord !  Thy  holy  name 
Shines  bright  above  the  starry  frame ; 
And  earth,  redeemed,  proclaims  abroad 
Thy  glories,  universal  Lord ! 


PSALM  XIX. 

THE     GOD     OF     NATURE. 

Silent  teachers,  sage  and  hoary, 
Stand  everywhere,  and  ever  tell 

The  same  unwritten  story 
Of  the  great  Invisible. 

Radiant  heavens,  ever  beaming, 

The  sapient,  primal  cause  proclaim ; 

Burning  stars,  forever  gleaming, 
Teach  the  uncreated  Name. 

Day,  in  coming,  never  lingers, 

But  speaks  of  God  from  hour  to  hour. 

Night  extends  her  jeweled  fingers 
Constant  to  th'  almighty  power. 


PSALMS.  225 

Sun,  rejoicing  in  his  glory, 

Like  bridegroom  from  his  chamber  springs  ; 
Tells  to  all  the  world  the  story 

Of  th'  eternal  King  of  kings. 

Every  star  the  sky  adorning ; 

The  flowers  in  every  field  that  bloom ; 
Rays  of  light  from  every  morning, 

Which  the  heaven  and  earth  illume. 

All  are  teachers,  sage  and  hoary, 
Placed  everywhere,  the  world  to  tell 

Of  wisdom,  goodness,  power  and  glory 
Of  the  great  Invisible. 

Heed  the  lessons,  every  nation  ; 

Adoring,  praising,  bend  the  knee. 
Spirits,  holding  every  station, 

Hail  the  unseen  Diety  ! 


THE     GOD     OF     GRACE. 

Other  teachers,  come,  revealing 
Jehovah's  mild  and  smiling  face  ;• 

And  tell  the  heights  and  depths  of  feeling, 
In  our  God — the  God  of  grace. 

10* 


226  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Prophets,  ages  back  appointed, 
The  heralds  from  the  courts  above, 

Come,  with  holy  lips  anointed, 
Preaching  God — the  God  of  love. 

Psalmists,  rapt  in  vision,  bringing 

Their  harps  strung  high,  with  one  accord 

Come  singing,  gladly  singing 
The  tender  mercies  of  the  Lord. 

Burning  seraphs  come  from  glory ; 

And  hovering  o'er  our  sinful  earth, 
Shout  the  thrilling,  rapturous  story 

Of  the  great  Redeemer's  birth. 

Psalmists  singing,  prophets  teaching, 
The  angels  chanting  joyfully ; 

Jesus  born,  apostles  preaching, 
Sacrifice  on  Calvary : 

All  are  teachers  wide  revealing 

Our  heavenly  Father's  smiling  face ; 

Telling  all  the  depths  of  feeling 
In  our  God — the  God  of  grace. 

Heed  the  lessons  every  nation  ; 

Embrace  the  calling  from  above. 
Sinful  souls,  ill  every  station, 

Hail  the  Lord — the  God  of  love ! 


PSALMS.  227 

psalm  xxni. . 


The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures:  He  leadeth  me 
beside  the  still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul:  He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  right- 
eousness for  His  name's  sake. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil :  for  Thou  art  with  me ;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff 
they  comfort  me. 

Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of  mine 
enemies :  Thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil ;  my  cup  runneth  over. 

Surely  goodness  and.  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days  of  my 
life ;  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever. 


THE  SHEPHERD  AKD   THE  FLOCK. 

My  Shepherd  is  the  Lord; 

He  makes  my  soul  His  care: 
I  feed  upon  His  living  word, 

And  in  His  bounty  share. 

He  leads  me  with  His  flock 
In  pastures  clothed  in  green: 

I  rest  beneath  the  cooling  rock, 
And  roam  along  the  stream  : 

And  when  my  footsteps  stray, 
He  calls  me  back  again : 

He  keeps  me  in  His  holy  way. 
To  glorify  His  name. 


SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

In  every  vale  of  tears, 

His  rod  and  staff  are  given: 

His  presence  dissipates  my  fears, 
And  guides  my  path  to  heaven. 

My  board  is  crowned  with  bread, 

Amid  opposing  foes: 
The  Spirit's  oil  is  on  my  head  — 

My  cup  with  joy  o'erflows. 

On  earth  the  Saviour's  love 

Shall  fill  my  happy  breast, 
And  God  shall  crown  my  soul  above 

With  everlasting  rest. 


THE   DIVINE   SHEPHERD. 

The  Shepherd,  appointed  in  love, 
The  flock  of  Jehovah  to  keep, 

Has  come  down  from  the  kingdom  above, 
And  died  on  the  mount  for  the  sheep. 

And  bought  by  the  great  sacrifice 
The  flock  with  salvation  is  blessed  ; 

And  Jehovah,  the  Shepherd,  supplies 
Abundance,  and  safety,  and  rest. 

They  feed  on  the  sanctified  field, 

And  repose  in  the  shade  of  the  rock ; 

And  the  stream,  ever  flowing,  shall  yield 
Refreshment  and  strength  to  the  flock. 


PSALMS.  229 

And  the  Shepherd,  in  sympathy  sweet, 

Is  present  by  night  and  by  day ; 
And  His  breast  is  their  happy  retreat, 

And  the  fulness  of  God  is  their  stay. 

And  ransomed,  and  guarded,  and  fed, 
Where  blessings  divinely  are  given, 

The  staff  of  the  Shepherd  shall  lead 
To  holy  inclosures  in  heaven. 

And  the  valleys  and  mountains  above 
Are  white  with  the  flock  of  the  Lord ; 

And  the  Saviour,  in  triumph  and  love, 
Is  crowned  with  this  promised  reward. 


PSALM  XXIY. 

ASCENDING   WITH   DIMAXUEL. 

Before  Thy  throne  divine 
We  humbly  bow  the  knee  ; 

For  all  that  breathe,  and  all  that  shine, 
Belong,  O  Lord,  to  Thee. 

And  all  the  sons  of  earth  proclaim 

The  honors  of  Thy  holy  name. 

The  angels  veil  the  face 
And  fall  before  the  throne ; 


230  SACKED     PARAPHRASES. 

For  all  the  higher  fields  of  space 

Are  Thine,  O  God,  alone. 
And  all  the  heavenly  armies  sing 
Thy  glory,  universal  King. 

And  who,  Thy  bright  abode, 

O  God,  shall  ever  see  ? 
The  men  whose  souls  are  washed  in  blood, 

And  clothed  with  purity ; 
The  ransomed  Church  on  high  shall  dwell, 
Ascending  with  Immanuel. 

Thy  everlasting  gates, 

Jerusalem  unfold ; 
The  ascending  King  of  glory  waits 

To  walk  Thy  streets  of  gold. 
"Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?     He, 
The  crucified  on  Cavalry. 

Thy  everlasting  gates, 

Ye  highest  heavens  displace ; 

The  ascending  King  of  glory  waits 
To  fill  the  throne  of  grace. 

Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?    He, 

The  Saviour,  one  with  Deity ! 


P  BALMS.  231 

PSALM  XXY1L 

THE       SUPREME      DESIRE. 

One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after; 
that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to 
behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  His  temple. 

The  soldier's  plume,  the  poet^s  lyre, 

Is  not  my  first,  my  chief  desire  ; 

Kor  is  my  heart  supremely  set 

Upon  my  jeweled  coronet. 

My  spirit's  feeling,  chief  and  first, 

Is  the  undying,  burning  thirst, 

To  stand  and  drink  at  the  pure  fount 

That 's  gushing  on  the  holy  mount ; 

And  there  behold  the  smiling  face 

Of  God  in  beauty,  God  in  grace, 

From  whose  bright  throne  the  waters  roll 

In  peace  and  glory  o'er  the  soul. 

My  sword  and  plume,  my  harp  and  crown, 
"Will  fade  like  leaves  when  autumn's  blown  ; 
And  feelings  twined  round  things  that  die 
Will  perish  through  eternity. 
Jehovah  lives.     His  beauties  fill 
The  holy  house  on  ZioD's  hill. 
Oh  let  me  ever  dwell  with  Him 
"Who  sits  between  the  cherubim ; 


232  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  I  will  gaze  on  God  and  twine 
My  spirit's  powers  round  things  divine  ; 
And  live  and  rei^n  for  ever  blessed 
In  God  my  everlasting  rest. 


PSALM  XXX. 

JOY      SUCCEEDING      SORROW. 

For  His  anger  endureth  but  a  moment;   in  His  favor  is  life. 
Weeping  may  endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning. 

Oh,  ne'er  could  I  weep  thro'  the  long  night  of  sorrow, 

And  grieve  o'er  the  woes  of  a  heart  forlorn, 
Should  the  world  cast  a  shade  on  the  hope  of  to- 
morrow, 

And  darken  the  promise  of  joy  at  morn. 
Better,  oh  better,  were  all  hopes  forsaken, 

The  soul  should  cease,  overwhelmed  with  care ; 
Better  that  God  in  His  wrath  should  awaken, 

And  calm  in  the  grave  the  dark  heart  of  despair. 
Let  the  woes  of  my  life  every  feeling  destroy, 

If  a  sensitive  heart  and  a  conscience  torn, 

Shall  find  no  relief  and  receive  no  joy, 

When  the  long  night  of  weeping  gives  place  to  the 
morn. 

But  thanks  to  the  Lord,  His  mercy  has  spoken, 
And  His  promise  is  lasting  and  true  as  His  years. 


PSALMS.  233 

And  blessed  is  the  soul  that  is  sealed  with  the  token, 

That  morning  shall  sweeten  its  night-fallen  tears. 
For  ages  I  'd  suffer,  though  trials  should  sever 

My  heart  from  all  rest,  and  all  feeling  should  chill, 
For  a  taste  of  that  pleasure  which  ever  and  ever 

Shall  gladden  the  soul  and  be  exquisite  still. 
And  the  tears  that  were  shed  through  the  long  night 
of  weeping, 
Like  smiles  shall  embellish  the  cheek  where  they 
stole ; 
And  the  conscience  serene,  and  the  wild  passions 
sleeping, 
The  full  orb  of  glory  shall  rise  on  the  soul. 


PSALM  XLIII. 

HOPE      IN      GO  D  . 

Judge  me,  O  Lord,  and  plead  my  cause 
Against  the  men  who  break  Thy  laws. 
Oh  save  me,  Lord,  in  whom  I  trust, 
From  men  deceitful  and  unjust. 

O  God !  my  strength,  my  hiding  place, 
Why  dost  Thou  cast  me  from  Thy  face  ? 
"Why  go  I  mourning  day  by  day 
Beneath  the  foe's  oppressive  sway? 


234:  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

Oh  send  abroad  Thy  truth  and  light, 
And  let  them  lead  my  footsteps  right ; 
And  bring  me  where  Thy  presence  fills 
The  temple  on  Thy  holy  hills. 

Then  to  God's  altar  I'll  repair, 
And  find  my  chief  enjoyment  there; 
And  on  my  harp  I  will  Thee  praise, 

0  God,  my  God,  in  thrilling  lays. 

"Why,  oh  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down? 
The  foe  may  rage,  the  world  may  frown. 
Why  art  thou  troubled,  oh  my  soul? 
The  seas  may  swell,  the  tempests  roll. 

Hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  praise 
My  Maker  yet  in  future  days. 
God  is  my  Helper ;  and  my  face 
Shall  bloom  afresh  with  health  and  grace. 

God  is  my  Keeper;  and  his  power 
Shall  shield  my  soul  from  hour  to  hour  ; 
And  saved  from  each  afflictive  rod, 

1  '11  have  my  home — my  re6t  in  God. 


PSALMS.  235 


PSALM   XLV. 

A      SONG     OF     LOVES. 

My  soul  is  filled  with  holy  fire; 
The  Spirit's  breath  is  on  my  lyre ; 
My  heart  and  harp  are  tuned  to  sing 
The  beauties  of  the  heavenly  King. 

My  tongue  the  inspiring  influence  moves, 
To  sing  the  song — the  Song  of  Loves ; 
As  glowing  thoughts  of  ardent  men 
Flow  from  the  ready  writer's  pen. 

Celestial  charms  are  in  Thy  face; 
Thy  lips  are  stored  with  purest  grace; 
Exalted  high  Thy  gifts  to  pour, 
The  Lord  has  blessed  thee  evermore. 

Gird  on  Thy  sword"  upon  Thy  thigh, 
And  dressed  in  gracious  panoply, 
Go  forth,  O  King,  the  world  to  bless 
With  truth,  and  peace,  and  righteousness. 

Thy  arrows  bright  in  Thy  right  hand 
Shall  pierce  Thy  foes  in  every  land ; 
And  all  in  penitence  shall  yield 
Or  perish  on  the  battle  field. 


SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

O.God!  Thy  mediatorial  throne 
Eternity  doth  ever  own ; 
And  like  Thy  heart  of  purest  light, 
The  scepter  of  Thy  throne  is  right. 

For  this,  Thy  everlasting  head, 
On  Thee  the  holy  oil  has  shed 
In  measure  full,  and  running  o'er, 
Above  Thy  fellows  heretofore. 

Thy  perfumed  robes  fill  heaven  above 
With  choicest  sweets  of  joy  and  love ; 
And  shed  through  all  Thy  earthly  place 
The  richest  fragrancy  of  grace. 

.Daughters  of  kings  to  Thee  resort, 
And  gladly  fill  Thy  royal  court ; 
And  near  Thy  side,  in  stately  mien, 
In  gold  of  Ophir  stands  the  queen. 

O  daughter,  yield  thy  willing  ear, 
To  my  espousals  ever  dear ; 
Forget  thy  home,  thy  native  state, 
And  on  My  counsels  fully  wait ; 

So  shall  the  King  thy  beauty  see, 
And  His  warm  heart  shall  joy  in  thee ; 
While  thy  full  soul  shall  love  His  word, 
And  own  thy  husband  as  thy  Lord. 


P  8  A  L  M  8  .  237 

Proud  Tyre  shall  hail  the  glorious  King, 
And  to  His  courts  her  offerings  bring ; 
And  princes  in  his  Church  shall  meet, 
And  lay  their  treasures  at  His  feet. 

The  King's  fair  daughter,  beauteous  queen, 
Has  inward  glories  all  unseen  ; 
Her  outward  robes  our  eyes  behold, 
All  wrought  with  flowers  of  purest  gold. 

Before  the  King  she  stands  confessed, 
In  broidered  robes  most  richly  dressed. 
Th'  attendant  virgins  on  her  wait, 
To  grace  her  high,  exalted  state. 

The  palace  gates  are  open  wide, 
The  King  receives  the  approaching  bride, 
And  seats  her  on  His  throne  above, 
With  mutual  songs  of  joy  and  love. 

Hail,  holy  queen !  thy  sons  shall  stand 
A  noble  race  in  every  land ; 
Like  princes  shall  thy  children  rise, 
And  fill  the  thrones  of  Paradise. 

From  age  to  age  will  I  proclaim 
The  honors  of  Thy  glorious  name ; 
And  every  heart  and  harp  shall  sing 
The  beauties  of  the  heavenly  King. 


238  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

PSALM  LY. 


My  heart  is  sore  pained  within  me:  and  the  terrors  of  death 
are  fallen  upon  me.  Fearfulness  and  trembling  are  come  upon  me, 
and  horror  hath  overwhelmed  me.  And  I  said,  Oh  that  I  had  wings 
like  a  dove !  for  then  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  rest.  Lo !  then 
would  I  wander  far  off,  and  remain  in  the  wilderness.  Selah!  I 
would  hasten  my  escape  from  the  windy  storm  and  tempest. 

The  dove  is  in  the  deep  blue  sky ; 
The  coming  storm  arrests  her  eye; 
She  hastes  away  on  pinions  fleet, 
And  seeks  her  home — her  safe  retreat. 

When  storms  arise  and  tempests  roll, 
And  beat  upon  my  weary  soul; 
Oh  had  I  wings,  afar  I'd  roam, 
And  make  the  wilderness  my  home ! 

Oh,  no.     The  dove  of  rapid  wing 
Shall  wisdom  to  my  spirit  bring. 
When  I  behold  th'  uplifted  rod, 
I'll  seek  my  resting  place  in  God. 

The  dove  enjoys  her  safe  retreat, 
Though  tempests  round  her  shelter  beat: 
My  soul  no  rushing  storms  shall  move, 
Imbosomed  in  my  Saviour's  love. 


PSALMS.  239 

PSALM  LXVIH. 

THE   PLUMAGE   OF   THE   DOVE. 

Though  ye  have  lien  among  the  pots,  yet  shall  ye  be  as  the 
•wings  of  a  dove  covered  with  silver,  and  her  feathers  with  yellow 
gold. 

Thou  innocent  dove,  * 

Fair  emblem  of  love, 
Thy  beauties  how  rich  to  behold ; 

Thy  pinions  are  bright 

With  the  beamings  of  light, 
And  thy  plumage  is  sprinkled  with  gold. 

And  purity  sweet, 

With  meekness  shall  meet, 
T'  embellish  the  once  sinful  heart : 

For  the  Spirit's  descent 
On  the  heart  of  the  saint, 
The  charms  of  the  dove  shall  impart. 

And  my  spirit  shall  shine, 
With  luster  divine, 
,         The  beauty  that  Jesus  has  given  ; 
Like  the  innocent  dove, 
Fair  emblem  of  love, 
With  plumage  of  glory  in  heaven. 


240  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

PSALM  LXXIL 

THE   PEACEFUL   KING. 

Give  the  king  thy  judgments,  O  God!  and  thy  righteousness 
unto  the  king's  son.  He  shall  judge  thy  people  with  righteousness, 
and  thy  poor  with  judgment.  The  mountains  shall  hring  peace  to 
the  people,  and  the  little  hills,  by  righteousness.  He  shall  judge 
the  poor  of  the  people,  he  shall  save  the  children  of  the  needy,  and 
shall  break  in  pieces  the  oppressor.  They  shall  fear  thee  as  long  as 
the  sun  and  moon  endure. 

The  throne  of  Israel's  king  is  built 

On  righteousness  and  peace, 
And  God  imparts  to  Canaan's  soil 

Her  sanctified  increase. 
The  mountains'  sides  are  clothed  with  vines, 

The  hills  are  white  with  flocks ; 
And  golden  harvests  fill  the  vales, 

And  honey  combs  the  rocks ; 
In  righteousness  the  hills  rejoice, 

In  peace  the  people  sing ; 
And  all  the  promised  land  exults 

In  Israel's  peaceful  king. 

A  holier  throne  the  Lord  has  set 

On  fair  Immanuel's  ground  ; 
And  every  sacred  field  of  grace 

"With  richer  fruit  is  crowned. 
Pure  justice,  truth,  and  radiant  hope, 

Mount  Zion's  hills  illume ; 


PSALMS.-  241 

And  meekness,  love,  and  fragrant  peace, 

Her  lowly  vales  perfume. 
The  public  virtues  walk  abroad  ; 

In  peace  the  people  sing ; 
And  heaven  comes  down,  and  dwells  on  earth, 

"With  Zion's  peaceful  King. 


PSALM  LXXXVIL 

THE    HONORED    CITIZEN   OF   ZION. 

God  on  the  holy  mountains  lays 
The  temple  for  His  heavenly  praise. 
His  tender  love,  His  constant  care, 
The  tents  of  Jacob  ever  share ; 
But  His  unmeasured  love  distils 
On  Zion's  gates — on  Zion's  hills. 

The  wings  of  mercy  hover  o'er 
The  Christian's  dwelling  evermore; 
But  where  the  saints,  in  crowds,  resort 
To  worship  in  His  public  court, 
The  cloud  of  glory  fills  the  place, 
And  God  bestows  His  richest  grace. 

Oh  city  of  the  heavenly  King, 
The  ancient  bards  thy  glories  sing; 

11  • 


1*4:2  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  future  myriads  shall  behold 
Thy  shining  walls,  and  streets  of  gold ; 
And,  rapt  in  wonder,  shall  record 
Thy  worth,  oh  city  of  the  Lord ! 

My  chosen  friends  have  heard  me  name, 
With  high  esteem,  the  men  of  fame, 
"Whose  learning,  virtue,  power,  and  worth, 
Adorn  the  cities  of  their  birth; 
But  greater  honors  shall  adorn 
The  humblest  saint  in  Zion  born. 

The  writing,  by  Jehovah's  pen, 
On  heavenly  rolls,  show  that  men 
In  Zion  reared  are  men  of  worth, 
O'er  all  the  nobles  of  the  earth; 
And  God  will  hold  them  in  renown, 
The  shining  jewels  of  his  crown. 

The  temple  on  the  mountains'  height 

Is  filled  with  harpers,  clothed  in  white ; 

Their  spirits  burn  with  holy  fire, 

As  heavenly  fingers  touch  the  lyre ; 

And  this  their  joyful  minstrelsy : 

"  Our  springs,  O  God,  are  all  in  Thee ! " 


PSALMS.  243 

PSALM  C. 

UNIVERSAL     PRAISE. 

O  earth !   thy  myriad  voices  raise, 
And  pour  to  God  exulting  praise. 
Before  the  Lord  ye  nations  stand. 
With  harps  attuned  in  every  hand 
Sing  psalms  of  joy ;   the  strains  prolong 
Till    all  the  world  is  full  of  song. 

The  Lord,  who  calls  the  earth  to  sing, 

Is  our  Creator,  and  our  King. 

The  Lord,  who  bids  the  world  adore, 

Is  our  Preserver  evermore. 

We  are  His  sheep,  and  ever  share 

Our  Maker's  love — our  Shepherd's  care. 

His  temple  gates  unfolded  stand. 
Enter,  ye  tribes  of  every  land. 
He  is  your  God;   to  Him  resort, 
And  fill  His  holy,  spacious  court. 
Sing  as  ye  come  with  one  accord, 
High  hallelujah's  to  the  Lord. 

The  Lord  is  good;   the  nations  prove 
Unnu inhered  tokens  of  His  love. 
O'er  all  His  works  His  mercy  reigns : 
Firm  as  His  throne  His  truth  remains. 
O  earth!    thy  myriad  voices  raise, 
And  pour  to  God  exulting  praise ! 


244  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

PSALM  CIII. 

GRATITUDE   FOR   RESTORATION   TO   HEALTH. 

Awake,  my  soul,  awake  and  bring 

To  God  thy  purest  praise : 
Awake,  my  heart,  awake  and  sing 

To  God  thy  sweetest  lays. 

Remember  every  pledge  of  love     • 
Thy  gracious  God  has  given ; 

Refreshed  on  earth  from  springs  above, 
Oh  bless  the  Lord  of  heaven. 

'Tis  God  relieves  thy  wasting  pains, 
And  makes  the  body  whole; 

'Tis  God  removes  thy  guilty  stains, 
And  beautifies  the  soul. 

'T  is  God  thy  life  from  death  restores ; 

From  hell  thy  soul  redeems ; 
And  God  from  mercy's  fountain  pours 

Salvation's  joyful  streams. 

"Hew  strength  love's  healing  touch  supplies ; 

Afresh  my  spirit  blooms. 
Oh,  like  the  eagle  may  I  rise, 

When  God  renews  her  plumes. . 

Restored  in  health,  in  grace  renewed, 

Awake,  awake,  my  soul, 
And  pour  thy  holiest  gratitude 

To  God  who  made  thee  whole! 


PSALMS.  245 

PSALM  CIY. 

A     PRESENT     GOD. 

"When  Israel  broke 

Proud  Pharaoh's  yoke, 
Aud  left  the  Egyptian  land ; 

Jehovah's  throne 

In  Judah  shone, 
And  Israel  owned  His  hand. 

The  Ked  sea  saw, 

And  fled  in  awe ; 
Jordan  was  backward  rolled. 

The  mountains  leap, 

Like  startled  sheep, 
And  lambs  within  the  fold. 

"What  troubled  thee, 

Oh  thou  Red  sea, 
That  thou  affrighted  fled? 

Thou  Jordan  wide, 

Why  did  thy  tide, 
Poll  backward  in  thy  bed? 

Ye  mountains  steep, 

"Why  did  ye  leap, 
Like  frightened  rams  away  I 

"What  terror  fills 

The  little  hills, 
To  skip  like  lambs  at  play? 


246  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Tremble,  O  earth, 
Hush  all  thy  mirth, 

A  present  God  is  near. 
To  Jacob's  race 
God  shows  His  face; 

O  earth,  adore  and  fear! 

Fear  Jacob's  God, 
Whose  potent  rod 

Cleaves  wide  the  solid  rock; 
And  water  brings 
From  hidden  springs, 

In  fountains  for  his  nock! 


PSALM  CXXI. 


The  symbol  of  Jehovah  fills 
The  holy  place  on  Zion's  hills; 
There  all  my  strength,  my  safety  lies, 
And  there  I  lift  my  waiting  eyes. 

The  heavens,  inlaid  with  jewels  rare, 
The  earth,  adorned  with  all  things  fair, 
The  Lord  has  made ;    and  He  will  spread 
His  guardian  pinions  o'er  my  head. 


PSALMS.  2±4 

Blessed  pilgrim  on  life's  weary  way. 
Thy  steps  are  sure  with  God  thy  stay. 
That  wakeful  One.  from  hour  to  hour, 
Will  keep  thee  by  His  gracious  power. 

On  Israel's  hosts  the  "Watchman  keeps 
The  eye  that  slumbers  not  nor  sleeps. 
The  beamings  of  that  eye  divine 
On  Zion  everywhere  doth  shine. 

And,  traveler  on  the  rugged  road, 
That  leads  to  His  sublime  abode, 
Thy  soul  shall  share  the  sure  reward, 
The  light  and  shadow  of  the  Lord. 

Robed  in  a  cloud  the  Holy  One 
"Will  guard  thee  from  the  burning  sun ; 
And  dressed  in  flaming  folds  of  light, 
"Will  shield  thee  from  the  damps  of  night. 

In  valleys  dark,  on  rugged  hills, 
The  Lord  will  keep  thee  from  all  ills. 
'Till  thou  shalt  reach  the  heavenly  goal, 
God  will  preserve  thy  precious  soul. 

The  cloud  and  fire,  shall  sweetly  meet, 
To  guard  and  guide  thy  weary  feet ; 
Till  all  life's  journey  thou  hast  trod, 
And  found  again  thy  home  in  God. 


248  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

PSALM  CXXIL 

UNION      IN      WORSHIP. 

The  people  said,  with  one  accord : 
"We'll  seek  the  temple  of  the  Lord." 
My  soul  rejoiced  their  words  to  hear; 
They  fell  like  music  on  the  ear. 

Jerusalem,  our  feet  shall  stand 
Within  thy  gates  at  God's  command; 
And  faith,  and  hope,  shall  soar  on  high, 
And  fill  the  temple  in  the  sky. 

Jerusalem's  walls,  and  streets,  and  towers, 
Are  built  compact,  and  mock  the  powers 
Of  earth  and  hell.     So  Zion  stands 
Invincible  in  union's  bands. 

The  tribes*  of  Judah  crowd  the  street 
That  opens  to  the  mercy  seat, 
Where  mingled  praise  and  prayer  ascend 
To  Israel's  everlasting  Friend. 

Fair  emblem  of  the  gathered  throng 
That  meets  in  heaven,  to  pour  the  song 
Of  rapture  through  the  hallowed  place, 
Where  Jesus  fills  the  throne  of  grace. 


PSALMS.  2^9 

There  David's  courts  sustain  the  laws, 
And  justice  guards  the  people's  cause. 
The  king  in  power  and  mercy  reigns, 
And  Zion's  sons  and  rights  maintains. 

Tribes  of  the  Lord,  your  fervent  prayers 
Breathe  constant  in  Jehovah's  ears, 
That  Salem's  glories  may  increase, 
O'ershadowed  with  the  wings  of  peace. 

Beloved  city,  thou  shalt  share 
My  warmest  love,  my  holiest  prayer; 
My  toils,  and  wealth,  and  regal  powers, 
Shall  guard  thy  palaces  and  towers. 

Oh  lovely,  sacred  Union !  come, 
And  make  Jerusalem  thy  home; 
So  shall  thy  sons  in  one  accord 
Surround  the  altars  of  the  Lord. 

The  love  of  saints  inspires  my  breast 
To  seek  and  pray  for  Zion's  rest. 
The  love  of  God  my  spirit  draws 
To  advocate  Jehovah's  cause. 

Oh !  may  we  wart  at  mercy's  fount 
In  peace  and  joy,  until  we  mount 
On  angels'  wings  to  courts  above, 
Where  all  is  union — all  is  love ! 
11* 


250  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

PSALM  CXXXYII. 

JUDAH        CAPTIVE. 

By  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  there  we  sat  down ;  yea,  we  wept, 
when  we  remembered  Zion.  We  hanged  our  harps  upon  the  willows 
in  the  midst  thereof.  For  there  they  that  carried  us  away  captive 
required  of  us  a  song ;  and  they  that  wasted  us  required  of  us  mirth, 
saying,  Sing  us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion. 

How  shall  we  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land  ? 

[f  I  forget  thee,  0  Jerusalem !  let  my  right  hand  forget  her  cun- 
ning. If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof 
of  my  mouth ;   if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy. 

Where  Babel's  gloomy  river  rolls 

The  captives  sat  disconsolate; 
While  rushing  o'er  their  stricken  souls 
Came  Zion's  sad  and  mournful  state; 
And  bleeding  hearts,  and  weeping  eyes, 
Proclaimed  their  inward  sacrifice. 

Their  patriot  songs,  their  sacred  lays, 

No  more  could  rouse  to  ecstacy. 
Those  hymns  were  made  for  other  days, 
When  Zion's  shrines  and  sons  were  free. 
Those  harps  which  freedom's  hand  had  stru^ 
On  weeping  willows  now  are  hung. 

In  mockery  the  spoilers  bade 
The  exiles  sing  Jehovah's  songs. 


PSALMS. 


251 


Oh  !  how  can  hymns  for  freedom  made, 
Be  sung  for  mirth  by  captive  tongues'? 
Our  tongues  and  harps  are  tuned  when  free; 
They  never  sing  in  slavery. 

And,  O  despoiler !  Zion's  state 

Is  still  eu shrined  in  patriot  souls ; 
Though  trodden  down  and  desolate, 
Onward  her  day  of  glory  rolls. 
When  Zion's  sons  and  harps  are  free, 
They  '11  speak  for  God  and  liberty ! 


PSALM  CXXYI. 

JUDAH   FREE. 

When  the  Lord  turned  again  the  captivity  of  Zion,  we  were  like 
them  that  dream.  Then  was  our  mouth  filled  with  laughter,  and 
our  tongue  with  singing:  then  said  they  among  the  heathen,  The 
Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  them.  The  Lord  hath  done  great 
things  for  us;  whereof  we  are  glad. 

Turn  again  our  captivity,  0  Lord,  as  the  streams  in  the  south. 
They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.  He  that  goeth  forth  and 
weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again  with 
rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him. 

"When  God  removed  our  bonds  of  shame, 
And  set  our  captive  nation  free; 

So  joyfully  deliverance  came, 
'Twas  like  a  dream  of  ecstacy. 


252 


SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 


Our  hearts,  in  transport  and  amaze, 
On  scenes  of  vision  seemed  to  £aze. 


Our  chains  are  broken.     Take  the  lyres 

That  hung  on  willow  trees  so  long ; 
Our  bosoms,  filled  with  holy  fires, 

Shall  pour  to  God  the  rapturous  song. 
Our  hearts  and  harps  are  tuned  and  free, 
To  sing  to  God  and  liberty. 


The  spoiler  saw  Jerusalem 

From  ruin  rise,  and  shine  abroad; 
Her  king  enthroned  with  diadem, 
Her  sons  the  freemen  of  the  Lord. 
And  heathen  lips  were  forced  to  own, 
Great  is  the  work  the  Lord  has  done. 

And  purer  hearts,  redeemed  and  free, 

Have  seen  and  felt  the  mercy  given; 
And  sing  the  song  of  jubilee 

To  grace  and  high  protecting  heaven; 
And  thousand  voices  loud  proclaim: 
"The  Lord  has  blessed  His  land  again." 

The  southern  vales,  and  sloping  hills, 

When  streams  have  failed,  are  all  in  gloom. 

Jehovah's  wTord  the  channels  fills ; 

The  vales  rejoice,  the  mountains  bloom. 


PSALMS.  253 

So  Judah's  exiled  state  is  o'er, 
And  Canaan  smiles  as  heretofore. 

"Where  Babel's  gloomy  river  flows 

The  captives  sat  disconsolate, 
And  sowed  their  seed  in  tears  and  woes, 
For  love  of  God  and  Zion's  state ; 
.Nor  long  did  weeping  exiles  roam  : 
The j  come  with  sheaves  rejoicing  home. 

And  faith  is  plumed  to  take  her  flight, 
And  gaze  on  happier  scenes  above ; 
Where  captives  now  are  clothed  in  white, 
And  hearts  and  harps  o'erflow  with  love, 
There  mourning  saints  shall  find  employ, 
In  reaping  sheaves  of  perfect  joy. 


PSALM  CXXYIII. 

WHO     ARE     THE     HAPPY? 

Think  not  that  men  of  noble  birth 
Have  gained  the  purest  joys  of  earth  ; 
Tsor  think  that  they  whose  stores  abound, 
The  soul's  substantial  good  have  found. 
Ask  ye  of  God  :  His  holy  word 
"Will  tell  you,  they  who  fear  the  Lord 
Have  blessedness,  serene  and  pure, 
"Which  will  through  all  their  davs  endure. 


254  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

Judge  not  that  men  with  souls  of  fire, 

Who  live  as  suit  their  own  desire, 

"Who  seek  the  eup  of  joy  to  fill, 

Neglecting  God's  most  holy  will — 

That  they  are  blessed.     The  lights  that  shine 

From  pages  of  the  Book  divine, 

Show  they  are  blessed,  whose  lives  accord 

"With  righteous  precepts  of  the  Lord. 

Behold  the  men  who  never  find 

"Work  for  the  hand,  the  heart,  the  mind : 

Think  ye  these  men  of  idle  hours 

Bask  in  the  sunshine — walk  'mid  flowers  ? 

Oh,  no.     The  men  whose  busy  hands 

Serve  well  their  stores,  their  trades,  their  lands, 

In  health,  and  peace,  and  comfort,  know 

The  blessings  that  from  labor  flow. 

The  independent  man  may  roam 

To  gather  joys  away  from  home ; 

Or  seek  in  solitude  to  find 

A  holier  heart,  a  purer  mind  : 

And  is  he  happy  ?  Come  and  see 

The  loving,  cheerful  family  ; 

The  sweetest  home  that  God  has  given — 

Type  of  the  Church — the  gate  of  heaven. 


PSALMS.  255 

Who  are  the  happy  ?   They  who  fear 
Jehovah,  and  his  name  revere : 
Who  walk  in  all  God's  holy  laws, 
And  advocate  His  righteous  cause. 
Their  hands  shall  work,  and  hearts  enjoy 
The  substance  gained  by  sweet  employ ; 
And  Providence  shall  kindly  shed 
His  blessings  on  their  daily  bread. 

The  partners  of  their  joys  and  cares 
Shall  mingle  in  their  songs  and  prayers ; 
And  children,  trained  to  love  the  Lord, 
Shall  stand  like  olives  round  their  board. 
Angels  shall  set  their  camps  around, 
And  guard  the  homes  on  holy  ground ; 
And  God  will  spread  His  pinions  o'er 
His  sacred  households  evermore. 

Zion's  provisions  shall  be  given, 
As  foretastes  of  the  joy  of  heaven. 
The  nations  welfare  they  shall  see ; 
Her  glory  and  her  liberty. 
And  when  white  locks  their  heads  adorn, 
Their  children's  children  shall  be  born  ; 
And  mingling  in  their  joyful  ways, 
Shall  live  again  their  youthful  days. 


256  SACKED    PARAPHRASES. 

The  Church  shall  prosper  in  their  time ; 
Shall  spread  her  power  from  clime  to  clime. 
Her  sons  and  daughters  shall  increase, 
And  live  in  mutual  love  and  peace. 
These  are  the  men  of  noble  worth, 
Who  share  the  purest  joys  of  earth, 
And  when  they  die,  their  homes  of  love 
Are  changed  to  happier  homes  above. 


PSALM  CXXXIII. 

MUTUAL    LOVE. 

Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
together  in  unity !  It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head, 
that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron's  beard:  that  went 
down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garments;  as  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as 
the  dew  that  descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion :  for  there  the 
Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even  life  for  evermore. 

How  good,  how  pleasant  is  the  sight — 

Emblem  of  scenes  above — 
When  Christian  hearts  in  peace  unite, 

And  live  in  mutual  love. 
'Tis  like  the  perfumed  ointment  shed 
On  Aaron's  robes — on  Aaron's  head. 

5T  is  fragrant  as  the  field  of  flowers 
That 's  washed  in  Hermon's  dew ; 


PSALMS 


257 


Or  Zion's  hill  refreshed  with  showers, 

And  smiling  all  anew. 
The  field  is  sweet,  the  hill  is  fair, 
For  dews  and  showers  have  fallen  there. 

And  such  the  Church  where  peace  is  found, 

A  fragrant,  fruitful  place; 
For  there  the  Lord  dispenses  round 

The  blessings  of  his  grace ; 
And  Zion  crowned  with  mutual  love, 
Begins  on  earth  to  live  above. 


PSALaL  cxxx. 

P  A  R  D  O  X  I  N  G      GRACE. 

Out  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee  0  Lord!  Lord,  hear 
my  voice :  let  thine  ears  be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  supplica- 
tions. If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord,  who  shall 
stand  ?  But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be 
feared. 

I  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  wait,  and  in  his  word  do  I 
hope.  My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  more  than  they  that  watch  for 
the  morning. 

Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord :  for  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy, 
and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption.  And  he  shall  redeem  Israel 
from  all  his  iniquities. 

Out  of  the  depths  I  raised  to  thee, 
O  Lord,  my  cry  of  agony ! 


258  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

Lord,  hear  m y  voice ;    my  mournings  hear ; 
And  to  my  pleadings  bow  thy  ear. 

Lord,  should  thy  just  impartial  hand 
Kecord  my  sins,  Oh,  who  could  stand  ?# 
But  there  are  pardons  with  thee,  Lord  ; 
And  mayest  be  worshiped  and  adored. 

I  wait  for  God.     At  mercy's  gate 
My  anxious,  longing  soul  doth  wait. 
His  holy  word  inspires  my  breast 
With  hopes  of  peace,  and  joy,  and  rest. 

The  watchman  on  his  tower  at  night 
Longs  for  the  beams  of  morning  light ; 
My  soul  lmre  anxious  waits  to  see 
Some  rays  of  comfort,  Lord,  from  Thee. 

Hope  in  the  Lord,  O  Israel ! 
For  mercies  with  Jehovah  dwell. 
Hope  on,  rejoicing  in  His  word; 
There 's  full  redemption  with  the  Lord. 

His  saving  power,  His  tender  love, 
Will  Israel's  sins  and  woes  remove ; 
And  grace  shall  teach  the  soul  to  raise 
To  God  adoring  songs  of  praise ! 


PSALMS. 

PSALM  CXLVIIL 

CREATION'S     CHORISTERS. 

Creation's  choristers  !  Awake,  and  sing 

The  praises  of  the  universal  King. 

Tune  all  your  harps,  and  raise  your  holiest  hymn 

To  God,  who  sits  between  the  cherubim. 

Each  in  his  order  stand,  and  strike  the  lyre, 
And  all,  arranged  in  one  harmonious  choir, 
Fill  earth,  and  heaven,  and  each  revolving  sphere 
With  songs  so  sweet  that  God  will  stoop  to  hear. 

Angelic  hosts ;  your  symphonies  unite 
With  carols  of  the  sun,  and  stars  of  light, 
And  join  your  music  with  the  silver  sounds 
Of  moon  and  planets  in  their  nightly  rounds. 

Ye  spirits  sanctified ;  adoring,  stand 
Around  the  sapphire  throne,  with  harps  in  hand, 
And  pour  your  thrilling  notes,  the  strains  prolong, 
Till  all  the  heaven  of  heavens  is  full  of  sons:. 


- 


Earth,  with  thy  plains,  and  fields,  and  groves,  and 

hills ; 
Thy  fire,  and  storm,  thy  waterfalls  and  rills  ; 
Thy  thunder  peals,  and  ocean's  roar,  arise, 
And  join  the  hallowed  chorus  of  the  skies. 


260  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

Come  with  thy  forest  beasts,  and  tribes  that  creep ; 
Thy  flying  fowls,  and  monsters  of  the  deep  ; 
Thy  gentle  flocks,  and  lowing  herds,  and  raise 
Triumphant  songs  in  thy  Creator's  praise. 

Come  with  thy  men  of  rank,  and  wealth,  and  fame ; 
Thy  nobles,  judges,  kings,  the  men  of  name; 
Thy  young  men,  maidens,  children,  old  and  young, 
And  pour  to  God  the  universal  song. 

Sublimely  seated  on  His  radiant  throne, 
O'er  all,  the  great  Creator  reigns  alone ; 
Let  earth  and  heaven  His  glorious  name  record. 
Creation's  choristers,  praise  ye  the  Lord  ! 


MISCELLANEOUS 

SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


NATURE'S   BEAUTIES. 

And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made ;  and  behold,  it  was 
very  good.     He  hath  made  every  thing  beautiful 

"When  man  with  glowing  heart  surveys 
The  bright  and  sparkling  gems  of  even ; 

And  dwells  with  a  look  of  lingering  gaze 
Upon  the  marshaled  hosts  of  heaven  ; 

How  grand,  how  noble,  and  divine, 

The  countless  orbs  of  nature  shine. 

"When  morning's  brilliant  tents  are  spread 
On  every  flower  that  summer  wreathes ; 

And  evening's  balmy  dews  are  shed 
In  every  gale  that  autumn  breathes ; 

How  sweet,  how  fragrant,  and  how  fair, 

The  flowery  works  of  nature  are. 


262  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

When  sweeping  storms,  the  eastern  skies 
In  wide-spread  robes  of  darkness  shroud ; 

And  solar  light,  in  blushes,  shines 
Amid  the  opening,  western  cloud ; 

How  bright,  in  vivid  winding  lines, 

The  beauteous  bow  of  nature  shines. 

When  evening  lingered  'mid  her  shade, 
I  roamed  along  the  ocean's  brim  ; 

And  every  wave  in  glory  played, 

And  seemed  in  brilliant  pride  to  swim ; 

How  proud,  how  sparkling,  and  how  bold. 

The  foaming  waves  of  nature  rolled. 

When  beauty's  self  in  female  form, 
The  choicest  handy-work  of  Heaven, 

Upon  the  last  creating  morn, 

To  Adam's  lonely  arms  was  given ; 

How  pure,  enchanting,  and  how  mild, 

The  crowning  work  of  nature  smiled. 

The  Father  looked :  Creation  lay 

In  smiles  and  brilliancy  before  Him  ;     . 

The  stars  that  hailed  the  seventh  day, 
In  songs  of  choral  praise  adore  Him ; 

How  rich,  how  countless,  and  how  fair, 

O  Lord !  Thy  thousand  beauties  are ! 


MISCELLANEOUS.  263 

PARADISE. 

THE    ABODE    OF   DsXOCEXCE. 

And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  eastward  in  Eden;  and 
there  he  put  the  man  whom  he  had  formed  And  out  of  the  ground 
made  the  Lord  God  to  grow  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight 
and  good  for  food ;  the  tree  of  life  also  in  the  midst  of  the  garden, 
and  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

And  the  Lord  God  took  the  man,  and  put  him  into  the  garden 
of  Eden  to  dress  it  and  to  keep  it.  And  the  Lord  God  commanded 
the  man,  saying,  Of  every  tree  t>f  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat: 
but  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not 
eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely 
die. 

The  God  of  nature  arid  of  grace 

Has  formed  for  man  a  dwelling  place ; 

Of  all  the  earth  the  fairest  plot, 

And  Eden  is  th'  enchanting  spot. 

And  trees  that  Paradise  adorned, 

For  life,  and  health,  and  pleasure  found ; 

And  crowning  all,  one  noble  tree, 

The  sign  of  immortality. 

And  seraphs  pure,  on  pinions  fleet, 

Came  oft  to  grace  that  calm  retreat ; 

And  God's  own  presence  there  was  given, 

And  Eden  was  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Celestial  joys  inspired  the  breast, 

And  man  found  God  his  perfect  rest. 

Such  blessings  love  ordained  for  thee, 

Thou  charxning,  heavenly  purity. 


264  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

BANISHMENT  FKOM  PAKADISE. 

THE   PUNISHMENT   OF   DISOBEDIENCE. 

And  the  Lord  God  said,  Behold,  the  man  is  become  as  one  of  us, 
to  know  good  and  evil :  and  now,  lest  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and 
take  also  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  eat,  and  live  forever ;  therefore  the 
Lord  God  sent  him  forth  from  the  garden  of  Eden,  to  till  the  ground 
from  whence  he  was  taken.  So  he  drove  out  the  man ;  and  he 
placed  at  the  east  of  the  garden  of  Eden  Cherubims,  and  a  flaming 
sword  which  turned  every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life. 

But,  Oh !   the  power  of  discontent. 
The  holy  covenant  bond  is  rent, 
And  Eden's  sacred  ground  is  trod  ■ 
By  man,  a  wanderer  from  his  God ; 
And  Paradise  is  blooming  fair  ; 
The  Lord  and  seraphs  yet  are  there ; 
The  tree  of  life  waves  in  the  wind, 
But  peace  has  fled  the  human  mind. 
And  God  has  come  and  judged  the  soul ; 
The  earth  is  cursed  from  pole  to  pole : 
And  man  in  agony  is  driven 
From  Paradise,  the  type  of  heaven ; 
And  cherubim,  with  flaming  rod, 
Fills  up  the  way  that  leads  to  God. 
Such  judgments  wrath  ordains  for  thee, 
Thou  daring,  dark  impiety. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  265 

HEAVEE". 

THE   HOME   OF   PLETY. 

I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy 
seed  and  her  seed :  it  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shall  bruise 
his  heel.  To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of 
life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  Paradise  of  God. 

Blessed  are  they  that  do  His  commandments  that  they  may  have 
right  to  the  tree  of  life,  and  may  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the 
city. 

And  He  showed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of  life  clear  as  crystal, 
proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb.  In  the  midst  of 
the  street  of  it,  and  on  either  side  of  the  river,  was  there  the  tree 
of  life,  which  bare  twelve  manner  of  fruits,  and  yielded  her  fruit 
every  month,  and  the  leaves  of  the  tree  were  for  the  healing  of  the 
nations. 

,  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ  above  fourteen  years  ago,  whether  in 
the  body,  I  cannot  tell;  or  whether  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell: 
God  knoweth :  such  an  one  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven.  And  I 
knew  such  a  man,  whether  in  the  body,  or  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot 
tell :  God  knoweth :  How  that  he  was  caught  up  into  Paradise,  and 
heard  unspeakable  words,  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  a  man  to  utter. 

But,  Oh !  rich  grace  the  earth  illumes. 
Arrayed  in  smiles  the  Saviour  comes, 
And  righteousness  and  blood  compose 
The  healing  balm  for  human  woes; 
And  Zion  is  the  calm  retreat, 
Where  saints  and  angels  sweetly  meet. 
And  there  the  Spirit's  power  is  given 
To  ripen  attributes  for  heaven. 
12 


266  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

There  is  a  world  beyond  the  skies, 
"Where  hope  on  bounding  pinions  flies ; 
Which  God  in  love  to  faith  secures, 
While  immortality  endures. 
That  world  of  bliss  the  saint  has  trod, 
And  found  again  his  rest  in  God. 
Such  glory  grace  ordains  for  thee, 
Thou  lovely,  heavenly  piety. 


THE  DELUGE. 

And  God  looked  upon  the  earth,  and  behold,  it  was  corrupt:  for 
all  flesh  had  corrupted  his  way  upon  the  earth.  And  God  said  unto 
Noah:  The  end  of  all  flesh  is  come  before  me,  for  the  earth  is  filled 
with  violence  through  them ;  and  behold,  I  will  destroy  them  with 
the  earth.  Behold,  I,  even  I,  do  bring  a  flood  of  waters  upon  the 
earth  to  destroy  all  flesh  wherein  is  the  breath  of  life  from  under 
heaven  ;  and  every  thing  that  is  in  the  earth  shall  die.  And  every 
living  substance  was  destroyed  which  was  upon  the  face  of  the 
ground,  both  man,  and  cattle,  and  the  creeping  things,  and  the  fowl 
of  the  heaven ;  and  they  were  destroyed  from  the  earth :  and  Noah 
only  remained  alive,  and  they  that  were  with  him  in  the  ark. 

The  cry  of  every  creature 

Was  bitter,  keen  and  wild ; 
For  death  in  every  feature 

In  desolation  smiled ; 
And  final  anguish  edged  the  dart 
That  pierced  the  core  of  every  heart. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  267 


For  seas  have  left  their  dwelling, 

The  bosom  of  the  deep  ; 
And  on  the  earth  are  swelling 

With  overwhelming  sweep ; 
And  earth  her  boldest  summit  laves 
Amid  a  wilderness  of  waves. 


The  inner  springs  ascending, 

In  billowy  foams  arise ; 
And  with  those  floods  are  blending 

The  fountains  of  the  skies  ; 
And  every  wave  that  rolled  and  beat 
Becomes  a  nation's  winding  sheet. 

But  o'er  the  wreck  and  slaughter 

Of  earth,  in  ruin  hurled, 
Is  borne  upon  the  water 

A  remnant  of  the  world — 
A  germ  of  sin  ;  a  puff  of  breath ; 
A  spark  of  life ;  a  seed  of  death. 


THE  SPIRITS  HOIlE. 

And  Xoah  sent  forth  a  dove  from  him,  to  see  if  the  -waters  wen 
abated  from  off  the  face  of  the  ground ;  hut  the  dove  found  no  place 
for  the  sole  of  her  foot,  and  she  returned  unto  him  into  the  ark,  for 
the  waters  were  on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth:  then  he  put  forth 
his  band,  and  took  her,  and  pulled  her  in  unto  him  into  the  ark 
And  he  stayed  yet  other  seven  days ;  and  again  he  sent  forth  the 


268  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

dove  out  of  the  ark;  and  the  dove  came  in  to  him  in  the  evening: 
and,  lo,  in  her  mouth  was  an  olive  leaf  plucked  off:  so  Noah  knew 
that  the  waters  were  abated  from  off  the  earth. 

The  flood  has  fulfilled  the  Lord's  behest, 

And  the  ark  is  on  the  deep ; 
And  the  dove  has  flown  from  her  place  of  rest, 

And  the  billows  her  pinions  sweep. 
From  wave  unto  bounding  wave  she  flew, 

And  her  course  was  onward  bound  ; 
And  the  watery  world  was  all  in  her  view, 

And  no  resting  place  was  found. 
And  her  search  is  o'er,  and  her  snow  white  plumes 

Are  wet,  and  dipped  in  the  foam  ; 
But  her  languid  eye  the  ark  illumes, 

And  the  ark  is  again  her  home. 

And  sin  has  woven  earth's  winding  sheet, 

And  the  ark  of  peace  aj^pears  ; 
And  the  spirit  has  fled  from  her  safe  retreat 

To  the  world  of  hopes  and  fears. 
From  scene  to  exciting  scene  she  flies, 

And  she  circles  the  world  around ; 
And  her  fervid  feeling  each  pleasure  tries, 

And  no  calm  repose  is  found. 
And  weary  and  faint  in  her  flight 

O'er  the  world  where  sin  has  trod, 
Her  pinions  are  spread  to  the  region  of  light, 

And  her  home  is  the  bosom  of  God. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  269 


GOD'S  COYEXAXT  WITH  THE  EAKTH. 

And  Xoah  builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord;  and  took  of  every 
clean  beast,  and  of  every  clean  fowl,  and  offered  burnt  offerings  on 
the  altar.  And  the  Lord  smelled  a  sweet  savor ;  and  the  Lord  said 
in  his  heart,  I  will  not  again  curse  the  ground  any  more  for  man's 
sake ;  for  the  imagination  of  man's  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth ; 
neither  will  I  again  smite  any  more  every  thing  living  as  I  have 
done.  While  the  earth  remaineth,  seed  time  and  harvest,  and  cold 
and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and  day  and  night  shall  not  cease. 
I  do  set  my  bow  in  the  cloud,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  token  of  a  cove- 
nant between  me  and  the  earth. 

And  God  said  unto  l^oah:  This  is  the  token  of  the  covenant 
which  I  have  established  between  me  and  all  flesh  that  is  upon  the 
earth  for  an  everlasting  covenant. 

Jehovah  has  moved  in  his  wrath 
Where  ripened  transgression  arose  ; 

And  the  earth  is  o'erwhelmed  in  His  path, 
And  God  is  avenged  of  his  foes. 

And  the  waters  have  gone  to  their  place, 
The  waves  in  the  ocean  are  curled ; 

And  man,  as  the  germ  of  the  race, 
Stands  alone  on  the  desolate  world. 

And  the  altar  is  placed  on  the  hill, 
The  flame  and  the  incense  arise ; 

And  man  is  a  worshiper  still, 
In  the  faith  of  the  great  sacrifice. 


270  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  Jehovah  come  down  on  the  mount, 
The  offering  is  crowned  with  his  bow : 

And  o'erflowing  with  grace  is  the  fount, 
Whence  blessings  abundantly  flow. 

The  fields  shall  be  joyful  again  ; 

The  seasons  continue  to  roll ; 
The  promise  on  earth  shall  remain, 

And  mercy  shall  gladden  the  soul. 

And  spring,  with  her  life-giving  power, 
Shall  breathe  on  the  sower's  employ ; 

And  the  breeze,  and  the  dew,  and  the  shower, 
Shall  waken  the  world  into  joy. 

And  summer  shall  come  with  her  heat  ; 

The  vineyards  in  clusters  shall  stand ; 
The  valleys  shall  wave  with  the  wheat, 

And  harvests  shall  cover  the  land. 

And  autumn,  adorned  with  her  crown 
Of  nourishing  fruits,  shall  appear ; 

And  the  blessing  of  God  shall  come  down 
To  hallow  the  gifts  of  the  year. 

Stern  winter  shall  come,  and  shall  spread 
His  mantle  of  snow  o'er  the  earth , 

And  shall  cherish  the  seeds  in  their  bed, 
Till  spring  time  shall  call  them  to  birth. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  271 

The  morning  shall  blush  on  the  hill, 
And  blessings  to  man  shall  afford; 

And  his  mind  and  his  hands  shall  fulfill 
The  labors  assigned  by  the  Lord. 

The  weary  and  worn  shall  be  blessed 
With  sleep,  the  sweet  soother  of  woes  ; 

And  night's  starry  curtains  shall  rest, 
On  the  faint  in  his  balmy  repose. 

The  Lord  shall  be  seen  in  the  spring ; 

In  summer  His  power  shall  appear ; 
And  autumn  His  goodness  shall  sing ; 

And  His  presence  shall  hallow  the  year. 

The  fields  shall  be  joyful  again  ; 

The  seasons  continue  to  roll ; 
The  promise  on  earth  shall  remain, 

And  mercy  shall  gladden  the  soul. 


THE  PILLAR   OF  CLOUD,  AXD  OF  FIRE. 

And  the  Lord  went  before  tliem  by  day  in  a  pillar  of  a  cloud,  to 
lead  them  tbe  way;  and  by  night  in  a  pillar  of  fire  to  give  them 
light ;  to  go  by  day  and  night.  He  took  not  away  the  pillar  of  the 
cloud  by  day,  nor  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  from  before  the  people. 
Thy  word  is  a  light  unto  my  feet,  and  a  lamp  unto  my  path.  My 
presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  I  will  give  thee  rest.  This  God  is 
our  God  forever  and  ever ;    he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. 


272  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High  shall  abide 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.  And  a  man  shall  be  the  shadow 
of  a  great  rock  in  a  weary  land. 

Jehovah,  robed  in  clouds  by  day, 

His  chosen  Israel  aided ; 
From  Asia's  winds  of  deadly  sway, 
And  Asia's  sun  of  burning  ray, 

Jehovah  Israel  shaded. 

Jehovah,  clothed  in  flames  by  night, 

His  chosen  seed  attended  ; 
From  Asia's  chills  that  sickly  smite, 
And  Asia's  damps  that  deadly  blight, 

The  Lord  his  seed  defended. 

So  Zion's  great  Immanuel, 

A  cloud  and  fire  is  given, 
To  shield,  and  guide,  from  earth  and  hell, 
His  chosen  Church,  His  Israel, 

And  lead  His  host  to  heaven. 


THE  EGYPTIAN  ABMY  DESTEOYED. 

And  the  Lord  said  nnto  Moses :  Stretch  out  thine  hand  over  the 
sea,  that  the  waters  may  come  again  over  the  Egyptians,  upon  their 
chariots,  and  upon  their  horsemen.  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his 
hand  over  the  sea,  and  the  sea  returned  to  his  strength  when  the 


MISCELLANEOUS.  273 

morning  appeared;  and  the  Egyptians  fled  against  it;  and  the  Lord 
overthrew  the  Egyptians  in  the  midst  of  the  sea. 

Then  sang  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel  this  song  unto  the 
Lord,  and  spake,  saying:  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  He  hath 
triumphed  gloriously :  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  He  thrown 
into  the  sea.  The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song,  and  he  is  become 
my  salvation :  he  is  rny  God,  and  I  will  prepare  him  an  habitation ; 
my  father's  God,  and  I  will  exalt  Him. 

And  Miriam,  the  prophetess,  the  sister  of  Aaron,  took  a  timbrel 
in  her  hand;  and  all  the  women  went  out  after  her  with  timbrels 
and  with  dances.  And  Miriam  answered  them:  Sing  ye  unto  the 
Lord,  for  He  hath  triumphed  gloriously ;  the  horse  and  his  rider 
hath  He  thrown  into  the  sea. 

Proud  Pharaoh  came  onward, 

Like  the  rush  of  the  storm  ; 
And  the  terrors  of  battle 

Encircled  his  form ; 
And  the  spears  of  his  cohorts 

Beamed  down  on  the  eve, 
Like  a  forest  of  torches 

Arrayed  in  the  sky. 

In  the  breeze  of  the  evening 

His  war  banner  rolled, 
And  the  folds  of  his  standard 

"Where  gleaming  with  gold; 
But  the  dawn  of  the  morning 

Scarce  blushed  on  the  flood, 
"When  the  folds  of  that  banner 

"Were  dripping  with  blood. 
12* 


274  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

Proud  Pharaoh's  mad  warriors 

Pressed  hard  on  the  free, 
And  his  horsemen  and  chariots 

Are  sunk  in  the  sea ; 
For  arrayed  in  His  prowess, 

Jehovah  passed  by, 
And  the  Gentile  is  withered 

In  the  glance  of  His  eye. 

And  Egypt's  proud  daughters 

Are  mantled  in  gloom, 
For  the  reaper  has  gathered 

His  sheaves  for  the  tomb ; 
And  the  laurels  that  Pharaoh 

Had  won  by  the  sword, 
Are  blasted  and  scattered 

By  the  breath  of  the  Lord. 

And  the  armies  of  Israel 

Are  journeying  along, 
To  the  Land  of  the  promise, 

"With  timbrel  and  song ; 
And  the  rod  of  the  Shepherd, 

That  severed  the  sea, 
Is  the  symbol  of  triumph 

In  the  camp  of  the  free. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  275 


THE  MANXA. 

Then  said  the  Lord  unto  Moses :  Behold,  I  will  rain  bread  from 
heaven  for  you ;  and  the  people  shall  go  out  and  gather  a  certain 
rate  eveiy  day,  that  I  may  prove  them,  whether  they  will  walk  in 
my  law,  or  no.  And  in  the  morning  the  dew  lay  round  about  the 
host.  And  when  the  dew  that  lay  was  gone  up,  behold,  upon  the 
face  of  the  wilderness  there  lay  a  small  round  thing,  as  small  as  the 
hoar  frost  on  the  ground:  and  when  the  children  of  Israel  saw  it, 
they  said  one  to  another:  It  is  manna:  for  they  wist  not  what  it  was. 

And  Moses  said  unto  them:  This  is  the  bread  which  the  Lord  has 
given  you  to  eat. 

And  the  children  of  Israel  did  eat  manna  forty  years,  until  they 
came  to  a  land  inhabited:  they  did  eat  manna  until  they  came  to 
the  borders  of  Canaan.     And  they  did  all  eat  that  spiritual  meat. 

I  am  the  bread  of  life  —  your  fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  are  dead.  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven;  if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread  he  shall  live  forever.  And  the 
bread  that  I  will  give  is  my  flesh ;  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of 
the  world.  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath 
eternal  life,  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day. 

They  hunger  ;  and  manna  from  heaven 
Descending,  crowns  daily  their  board ; 

Celestial  abundance  is  given, 
And  Israel  is  fed  by  the  Lord. 

They  eat ;  and  are  strong  on  the  way. 

They  gather  each  morn,  and  are  blessed, 
Till  they  eat  of  the  grapes  and  the  corn 

That  grow  in  the  Canaan  of  rest. 


276  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

The  Saviour  who  died  is  the  meat 


Prepared  for  the  life  of  the  soul ; 
That  manna  the  spirit  shall  eat, 
And  nourish  while  a^es  shall  roll. 


o 


The  Crucified  spake  on  the  earth : 
The  Risen  still  speaks  from  the  sky : 

The  soul  that  shall  eat  of  the  life-giving  meat, 
Oh !  never  shall  hunger.    Oh !  never  shall  die. 


THE  SMITTEN  ROCK. 

And  the  Lord  said,  unto  Moses:  Go  on  before  the  people,  and 
take  with  thee  of  the  elders  of  Israel ;  and  thy  rod,  wherewith  thou 
smotest  the  river,  take  in  thy  hand,  and  go.  Behold,  I  will  stand 
before  thee  there  upon  the  rock  of  Horeb  ;  and  thou  shalt  smite  the 
rock,  and  there  shall  come  water  out  of  it,  that  the  people  may 
drink.     And  Moses  did  so  in  the  sight  of  the  elders  of  Israel. 

And  they  did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink;  for  they  drank 
of  that  spiritual  rock  that  followed  them,  and  that  rock  was  Christ. 

If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is  that  saithtothee, 
give  me  to  drink ;  thou  would' st  have  asked  of  Him  and  He  would 
have  given  thee  living  water.  Whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that 
I  shall  give  him,  shall  never  thirst ;  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give 
him  shall  be  in  him  a  well  of  living  water,  springing  up  into  ever- 
lasting life.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters. 
If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  Me  and  drink. 

But  one  of  the  soldiers  with  a  spear  pierced  His  siJe,  and  forth- 
with came  thereout  blood  and  water. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  277 

Thy  wonders,  O  Lord,  shall  display 
The  power  of  Thy  wisdom  and  love, 

That  the  Church  may  rejoice  on  her  way 
Through  the  desert  to  regions  above. 

And  Zion's  rough  journeys  below 

Shall  numberless  seasons  afford, 
For  the  fountain  of  grace  to  o'erflow, 

That  Israel  may  trust  in  the  Lord. 

They  thirst :  and  the  rock  on  the  mount 
Is  cleft  by  the  emblem  of  Heaven  ; 

And  the  sparkling,  and  deep- gushing  fount, 
In  streams  of  abundance  is  given. 

The  desert  is  vocal  with  song, 

And  the  host,  and  the  herd,  and  the  flock, 
As  the  rivulet  meanders  along, 

Are  blessed  as  they  drink  from  the  rock. 

And  cleft  was  the  Son  on  the  mount, 
For  anguish  and  thirst  of  the  soul ; 

And  waters  of  life  from  the  fount 
Are  gushing,  and  ever  shall  roll. 

The  spirit  has  drank  at  the  spring, 

And  its  longings  and  hopes  are  supplied ; 

And  Israel  in  triumph  shall  sing 
The  glories  of  Jesus  who  died. 


278  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


MOUNT  SINAI  AND  MOUNT  CALYAEY. 

On  Sinai's  mount  Jehovah  stands 
With  the  stone  tables  in  His  hands ; 
Where  white-robed  justice  firmly  draws 
God's  pure"  and  everlasting  laws. 

Before  that  awful,  fiery  throne, 
My  spirit  lies  a  harder  stone ; 
Of  God's  pure"  precepts,  not  a  line 
Is  graven  on  this  heart  of  mine. 

On  Calvary's  mount  the  Saviour  stands, 
And  in  His  heart  are  heaven's  commands ; 
And  righteousness  and  blood  fulfill, 
O  God !  thy  everlasting  will. 

Before  that  beaming,  peaceful  throne, 
Is  broken  now  this  heart  of  stone ; 
And  God's  pure  precepts,  every  line, 
Are  written  on  this  heart  of  mine. 


THE  ARK  OF  THE  COYENANT. 

Thou  shalt  make  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  shalt  overlay  it 
with  gold,  and  shalt  make  upon  it  a  crown  of  gold  round  about. 
Thou  shalt  put  into  the  ark  the  testimony  which  I  shall  give  thee — 
the  two  tables  of  the  law.     Thou  shalt  make  two  cherubims  of  gold ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  279 

and  the  cherubims  shall  stretch  forth  their  wings  on  high,  covering 
the  mercy  seat  with  their  wings,  and  their  faces  shall  look  one  to 
another ;  toward  the  mercy  seat  shall  the  faces  of  the  cherubims  be. 
And  thou  shalt  put  the  mercy  seat  upon  the  ark ;  and  in  the  ark 
thou  shalt  put  the  testimony  that  I  shall  give  thee.  And  there  I  will 
meet  with  thee,  and  I  will  commune  with  thee  from  above  the 
mercy  se\t,  from  between  the  two  cherubims  which  are  upon  the 
ark  of  the  testimony,  of  all  things  which  I  will  give  thee  in  com- 
mandment unto  the  children  of  IsraeL 


The  Ark.  of  the  Covenant  was  the  emblem  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  plan  of  salvation  in  Him.  The  wood  and  the  gold 
represented  the  humanity  and  divinity  of  the  Saviour.  The 
tables  of  the  law,  which  were  placed  in  the  ark,  signified  the 
moral  law,  which  was  in  the  heart  of  the  Redeemer.  The 
mercy  seat,  which  covered  the  testimony,  typified  the  obe- 
dience and  sacrifice  of  the  Saviour,  which  fulfilled  the  law. 
The  cherubims  shadowed  forth  the  angels,  who  study  the 
mysteries  of  the  plan  of  redemption,  and  minister  to  Christ 
and  the  heirs  of  salvation.  The  shekinah,  resting  upon  the 
mercy  seat  between  the  cherubims,  was  the  emblem  of 
God  reconciled  in  Christ  Jesus.  As  God  held  communion 
with  Israel,  enthroned  upon  the  mercy  seat  between  the 
cherubims,  so  God  graciously  meets  with  man,  and  bestows 
the  blessings  of  the  covenant  of  grace  through  the  righteous- 
ness and  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Lamb  that  was  slain. 
There  is  only  one  place  in  the  universe  where  God  and  man 
can  meet  in  peace  and  hold  communion.  That  place  is  the 
mercy  seat. 


280  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

The  spirit  has  broken 

The  law  of  the  Lord, 
And  in  sin  has  forsaken 

The  promised  reward; 
And  bright-beaming  justice 

Has  smitten  the  soul, 
And  the  earth  is  all  shaken 

From  center  to  pole. 
Creation's  wide  circle 

No  place  can  afford, 
For  the  spirit  to  mingle 

In  peace  with  the  Lord; 
For  the  pure  law  is  burning 

"With  fire  to  consume; 
And  man  and  Jehovah 

Can  never  commune. 

Triumphant  compassion, 

How  vast  is  thy  plan ! 
The  Son,  beaming  goodness, 

Is  blended  with  man, 
And  the  tables  once  broken 

Are  placed  in  His  heart, 
And  fulfilled  by  the  Days-man 

In  every  part ; 
And  crowned  with  the  Saviour, 

The  law  is  complete, 


M 1 8  CELL  A. H  E  O tT B.  281 

And  shines  on  inount  Zion, 

The  bright  mercy  seat ; 
"Where  attributes  blending 

In  rapture  embrace, 
And  glory  encircles 

The  covenant  of  grace. 

Jehovah  exalted 

Has  honored  the  plan, 
And  has  offered  redemption 

And  safety  to  man. 
The  earth  is  all  blooming; 

The  skies  are  all  bright ; 
The  angels  are  singing, 

And  the  soul  is  in  light ; 
And  the  law  is  enshrined 

In  its  home  in  the  breast ; 
And  the  spirit  rejoicing 

Returns  to  His  rest, 
And  man  and  Jehovah 

In  harmony  meet ; 
And  are  covered  with  glory 

At  the  bright  mercy  seat. 

The  tempests  may  gather; 

The  mountains  may  shake ; 
The  lightenings  may  glitter; 

And  hell  may  awake ; 


282  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

All  terrors  retreating 

Shall  fall  at  His  feet, 
And  the  faithful  shall  triumph 

At  the  safe  mercy  seat. 
And  the  pilgrim  benighted 

The  desert  may  roam ; 
And  his  spirit  may  languish 

Away  from  his  home : 
And  wherever  kneeling 

In  prayer  to  entreat, 
His  spirit  reposes 

At  the  calm  mercy  seat. 

And  the  saints  o'er  creation, 

Like  stars  of  the  night, 
Are  stationed  in  clusters, 

And  sparkle  in  light ; 
And  the  clusters,  though  distant, 

In  sympathy  meet, 
And  their  beamings  are  blended 

At  the  bright  mercy  seat. 
And  spirits  in  glory 

"With  cherubim  scan, 
In  rapture  ecstatic, 

The  wonderful  plan: 
And  ages  are  rolling, 

And  ever  shall  roll, 
And  the  Lord  is  in  union 

And  peace  with  the  soul. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  283 


THE  STAR  OUT  OF  JACOB. 

I  shall  see  Him,  but  not  now;  I  shall  behold  Him,  but  not  nigh. 
There  shall  come  a  star  out  of  Jacob,  and  a  scepter  shall  come  out 
of  Israel.  Out  of  Jacob  shall  come  He  that  shall  have  dominion.  I 
am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  bright  and  the  morning  star.  "We  have 
seen  His  star  in  the  East,  and  have  come  to  worship  Him. 

'Twas  set  in  the  heaven, 

And  ever  shall  shine ; 
For  its  spring  is  eternal, 

Its  radiance  divine. 
And  it  rose  over  Zion, 

As  prophets  record ; 
And  its  beamings  are  bright, 

In  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

I  roamed  in  the  desert, 

A  wanderer  lost ; 
My  path  lay  in  darkness, 

My  spirit  was  tossed. 
The  star  out  of  Jacob 

Beamed  down  from  on  high, 
And  illumined    my  soul, 

And  my  way  to  the  sky. 


When  seasons  were  dark, 
And  my  feelings  were  sore; 


284  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

And  my  poor  heart  was  broken, 
And  touched  to  its  core ; 

The  star  out  of  Jacob 
In  energy  shone ; 

And  healed,  as  it  melted, 
This  cold  heart  of  stone. 

And  thus  when  the  moments 

Are  drawing  my  breath, 
And  I  walk  in  the  valley 

And  shadow  of  death, 
May  the  star  out  of  Jacob 

My  footsteps  illume, 
And  scatter  the  darkness 

That  mantels  the  tomb. 

And  Oh !    when  the  chosen 

Are  gathered  on  high, 
And  the  wise  shall  resemble 

The  gems  of  the  sky, 
To  the  kingdom  of  stars 

May  my  spirit  be  given, 
And  shine  with  the  Lord 

In  the  brightness  of  heaven ! 


MISCELLANEOUS.  285 


MOSES   OX  MOUXT  PISGAH. 

Oh,  Lord  God,  I  pray  Thee,  let  me  go  over  and  see  the  good 
land  that  is  beyond  Jordan,  that  goodl}*  mountain,  and  Lebanon. 
But  the  Lord  was  -wroth  with  me  for  yonr  sakes  and  would  not  let 
me ;  and  the  Lord  said  unto  me :  Let  it  suffice  thee  ;  speak  no  more 
unto  me  of  this  matter.  Get  thee  up  into  the  top  of  Pisgah,  and 
lift  up  thine  eyes  westward,  and  northward,  and  southward,  and 
eastward,  and  behold  it  with  thine  eyes ;  for  thou  shalt  not  go  over 
this  Jordan.  And  Moses  went  up  from  the  plains  of  Moab  unto  the 
mount  of  Xebo,  to  the  top  of  Pisgah,  that  is  over  against  Jericho ; 
and  the  Lord  showed  him  all  the  land  of  Gilead  unto  Dan,  and 
Xaphtali,  and  the  land  of  Ephraim,  and  Manasseh,  and  all  the  land 
of  Judah  unto  the  utmost  sea,  and  the  south,  and  the  plain  of  the 
valley  of  Jericho,  the  city  of  palm  trees  unto  Zoar.  And  ihe  Lord 
said  unto  him:  This  is  the  land  that  I  sware  unto  Abraham,  unto 
Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  saying :  I  will  give  it  unto  thy  seed  ;  I  have 
caused  thee  to  see  it  with  thine  eyes,  but  thou  shalt  not  go  over 
thither.  So  Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  died  in  the  land  of 
Moab,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  And  he  buried  him  in  a 
valley  in  the  land  of  Moab,  over  against  Bethpeor ;  but  no  man 
knoweth  of  his  sepulcher  unto  this  day.  And  Moses  was  a  hundred 
and  twenty  years  old  when  he  died ;  his  eye  was  not  dim,  nor  his 
natural  force  abated. 

And  behold  there  talked  with  Him  two  men.  which  were  Moses 
and  Elias ;  who  appeared  in  glory,  and  spake  of  His  decease,  which 
He  should  accomplish  at  Jerusalem. 

The  landscape  of  Canaan  was  mantled  in  green ; 

Its  mountains  and  vales  were  inviting; 
Its  vineyards  and  harvests  embellished  the  scene, 

And  the  glory  of  earth  was  exciting. 


286  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  breezes  of  Canaan  had  murmured  to  rest, 

And  the  sun  in  full  glory  had  set ; 
But  enough  of  his  beamings  remained  in  the  west, 

To  reflect  back  its  loveliness  yet. 

When  Moses  looked  down  from  the  mount  on  its 
pride, 

And  the  light  of  its  glory  that  run 
From  the  rock  where  he  stood  to  the  foam  of  the  tide, 

That  is  lost  in  the  beams  of  the  sun. 

The  land  of  the  promise  was  all  in  his  eye  ; 

For  the  spirit  of  vision  was  given  ; . 
And  Canaan,  wide-spreading  till  touching  the  sky, 

Was  now  the  bright  emblem  of  heaven. 

And  he  looked  on  the  home  of  his  people  forever, 

With  eye  neither  faded  nor  dim ; 
And  his  soul  was  serene,  though  the  emblem  should 
never 

Be  pressed  by  the  footsteps  of  him. 

And  he  looked — for  the  spirit  that  made  it  had  cast 

The  beauties  of  Paradise  o'er  it ; 
And  he  wept,  when  the  spirit  of  vision  had  passed, 

And  Jordan  still  murmured  before  it. 

And  his  last  look  is  thrown  on  the  promise  beneath, 
Which  Jehovah  to  Judah  had  given  ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  287 

And  he  looked,  till  lie  passed  o'er  the  Jordan  of  death, 
And  moved  in  the  Canaan  of  heaven. 

And  thus  when  the  angel  my  eye  lids  shall  close, 
And  the  cord  of  existence  shall  sever ; 

On  the  emblems  of  rest  may  my  spirit  repose, 
Till  I  waken  in  glory  forever. 


JUSTICE   AND   MERCY, 
n  Samuel  24:  1-25. 

David,  the  renowned  warrior  and  statesman,  now  sat  ol 
the  most  splendid  throne  in  the  world.  All  rival  interests 
had  been  subdued.  All  rebellions  had  he  conquered.  The 
united  kingdom  of  Israel  and  Judah  had  extended  to  her 
widest,  promised  boundary,  and  was  now  in  her  most  palmy 
days  of  power  and  prosperity.  As  the  nation  increased  in 
wealth  and  splendor,  the  citizens  did  not  increase  in  virtue 
and  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  The  people  had  been  guiltv  of 
many  defections  from  God.  They  had  not  profited  bv  a 
number  of  providential  chastisements,  nor  were  thev  suf- 
ficiently thankful  in  the  midst  of  unbounded  blessings.  The 
nation  richly  deserved  the  hand  of  Divine  correction.  The 
king  had  become  proud  of  his  army;  of  his  extended  empire; 
of  his  jeweled  crown ;  and  his  eagle  eye  looked  forward  to 
the  roll  of  fame,  and  he  longed  to  see  upon  it  the  record  of 
the  number  of  his  valiant  hosts.  He  was  moved  by  un- 
worthy motives  to  number  his  men  of  war.  This  procedure 
of  the  king,  originating  in  pride,  and  standing  in  connection 


288  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

with  the  sinfulness  of  the  nation,  and  especially  the  army, 
brought  down  upon  David  and  his  country  the  judgments 
of  the  Almighty.  The  vain  glory  of  the  king  was  the  oc- 
casion of  the  rod.  The  wickedness  of  the  nation  was  the 
real  cause  of  the  Divine  visitation ;  and  it  was  the  mercy 
of  the  God  of  Israel  that  overruled  the  pestilence  for  the 
humiliation  of  the  prince,  and  the  reformation  of  the  people. 
The  numbering  of  Israel,  the  rod  of  justice,  and  the  scepter 
of  mercy,  in  connection  with  a  bleeding  sacrifice,  are  set 
forth  in  this  paraphrase.  The  reader  will  discover  the  com- 
mingled hues  of  justice  and  mercy,  and  will  see  that  mercy 
is  the  brightest  color  in  the  whole  picture. 

Israel  lias  sinned,  and  Israel's  God 

Designs  to  use  His  chastening  rod. 

From  Euphrates  to  ocean's  tide, 

The  kingdom  spreads  in  power  and  pride ; 

And  David's  heart  is  lifted  high 

In  unbecoming  majesty. 

"  Go  number  Israel,  and  record 

The  men  who  bore  the  shield  and  sword; 

And  give  my  valiant  host  a  name 

Inscribed  upon  the  roll  of  fame ; 

So  shall  succeeding  ages  own 

The  greatness  of  my  royal  throne." 

The  work  is  done ;  and  in  that  hour 
Conscience  awoke  in  awful  power : 


MISCELLANEOUS.  289 

And  David,  guilty,  contrite,  fell 

Before  the  Lord  of  Israel. 

"  Oh  God  !  I  've  sinned.  Oh !  heal  my  soul, 

And  make  my  bleeding  conscience  whole." 

The  prophet  came  at  God's  command. 
"  Shall  famine  triumph  o'er  thy  land  ? 
Shall  Judah's  valiant  warriors  flee 
Before  thy  ancient  enemy  ? 
Or  shall  the  Lord  His  sword  unsheath, 
And  fly  abroad  on  wings  of  death  ?  " 

Oh  sin !  thou  hast  a  burning  path. 
Thy  way  is  through  the  coals  of  wrath. 
How  great  the  strait,  when  God  has  sent 
To  man  to  choose  his  punishment. 
"  Oh  God  !    to  Thee  I  yield  my  fate  ; 
Though  bright  Thy  sword,  Thy  love  is  great." 

Just  as  the  morn  the  hills  illumed, 
The  angel  stood,  with  pinions  plumed, 
To  take  his  flight.     His  range  was  wide 
From  Euphrates  to  ocean's  tide, 
And  in  his  course  the  people  lay 
In  death  by  thousands  on  that  day. 

Kins:  David  saw  the  ans;el  stand 

'Twixt  heaven  and  earth  with  sword  in  hand, 

13 


290  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

To  vindicate  Jehovah's  cause, 

And  magnify  His  broken  laws. 

The  city  trembled  as  lie  came 

To  walk  her  streets  with  sword  of  flame. 

"  O  God  !  "   he  cried ;   "  the  sin  is  mine. 
On  me  pour  out  Thy  wrath  divine. 
My  guilt  is  great,  and  in  the  dust 
I  own  Thy  laws  and  ways  are  just. 
O  God,  my  God,  and  Israel's  rock, 
Preserve  Thy  unoffending  flock !  " 

The  prayer  is  heard.     Jehovah's  breath 
Arrests  the  messenger  of  deajth. 
"  It  is  enough  :  stay  now  thy  hand." 
And  Gabriel  rests  at  God's  command. 
O'er  Oman's  floor  he  staj^ed  his  flight, 
Oman  the  noble  Jebusite. 

Again  the  prophet  of  the  Lord 
Proclaimed  the  glad,  the  joyful  word. 
"  I  come  from  mercy's  gushing  fount. 
Go,  build  an  -altar  on  the  mount 
Which  judgment's  sword  is  hanging  o'er- 
Ai;aunah's  summer  threshing  floor." 

The  altar  on  the  mount  is  made, 
And  there  th'  atoning  lamb  is  laid. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  291 

Peace  offerings  too  the  priests  prepare ; 
God  is  invoked  in  humble  prayer ; 
And  all  the  while  the  sword  is  seen 
Suspended  o'er  the  solemn  scene. 

T  was  that  calm  hour  when  sacrifice 
From  burning  altars  reached  the  skies. 
The  firmament  Godjs  power  has  riven. 
The  rushing  fire  descends  from  heaven, 
Emblem  of  justice,  to  consume 
The  victim  in  the  sinner's  room. 

A  heavenly  voice  aloud  proclaims : 
"The  law  is  honored — mercy  reigns. 
Return,  oh  sword,  within  thy  sheath, 
]S"o  longer  now  the  sword  of  death." 
That  sword  has  found  its  resting  place, 
And  glory  crowns  the  throne  of  grace. 

So  Jesus  on  the  altar  died, 

And  awful  justice  satisfied ; 

And  love  proclaims  the  sweet  command : 

"  It  is  enough  :  stay  now  thy  hand." 

And  death  and  hell  are  bound  in  chains; 

The  Church  is  saved  and  mercy  reigns ! 


292  SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

THE  PKOPHET'S  WIDOW. 
ii  kings  4:  1-17. 

A  prophet's  widow  in  her  mourning  weeds 
Before  Elisha  stands,  and  humbly  pleads; 
Pleads  like  the  poor ;  exhausted  was  her  store  ; 
Her  cause  was  urgent,  and  her  heart  was  sore.  . 
"  My  honored  spouse,  thy  servant,  and  my  head, 
My  staff  and  stay,  is  numbered  with  the  dead. 
To  thee  my  husband  well  and  long  was  known  ; 
He  loved  and  served  the  Lord,  and  Him  alone ; 
And  gave  to  man,  with  conscientious  care, 
As  far  as  stern  necessity  could  spare. 
When  from  my  house  my  spouse  was  borne  away, 
A  debt  remained  his  widow  could  not  pay. 
The  creditor  has  come  to  take  my  two 
Dear  sons  as  bondmen  for  the  debt  that 's  due. 
My  heart  was  broken  when  my  husband  died — 
But,  oh !  to  take  my  children  from  my  side 
To  live  as  bondmen,  is  a  grief  too  pure 
For  my  faint,  bruised  spirit,  to  endure." 

The  widow's  mournful  tale  the  prophet  heard. 

His  heart  was  moved,  and  thus  his  gracious  word : 

"  What  shall  I  do  for  thee  ?  What  goods  remain 

Within  thy  house,  unsold,  to  meet  the  claim  ? " 

« 
"  Oh  man  of  God  !  of  all  our  care  and  toil, 

There  yet  remains,  unsold,  one  pot  of  oil  ?  " 


MISCELLANEOUS.  293 

Elisha  spake:  "The  prophet's  widow  this  shall  do: 

Go  borrow  empty  vessels  not  a  few. 

Come  with  thy  sons  within,  ^nd  shut  the  door. 

And  take  thy  pot  of  oil  and  pour,  and  pour 

Till  every  vessel  shall  be  running  o'er." 

The  widow  hears  and  trusts  the  prophet's  word, 

And  sees  the  power  and  goodness  of  the  Lord. 

The  pot  of  oil  pours  forth  a  golden  tide, 

Till  every  urn  is  full  and  set  aside ; 

And  when  her  sons  no  empty  urn  could  show, 

The  fountain  staid — the  current  ceased  to  flow. 

So  ever-working  Providence  doth  spread 

The  poor  man's  table  with  his  daily  bread. 

So  God,  the  unfailing  source  of  happiness, 

Fills  every  vessel  of  his  choice  with  bliss. 

So  Jesus,  all-sufficient,  grants  His  grace 

To  every  sinful  soul  that  seeks  His  face ; 

Nor  does  the  fountain  cease  to  flow,  till  all 

Have  quenched  their  thirst  who  on  His  mercy  call. 

The  widow  seeks  the  prophet's  door  to  tell 
The  wondrous  story  of  the  miracle  : 

"  Go,"  said  the  man  of  God,  "  and  sell  the  oil, 
The  gift  of  Heaven,  without  thy  care  or  toil ; 
And  pay  to  justice  all  that  justice  claims, 
And  with  thy  children  live  on  what  remains." 
So  God's  unbounded  sympathies  prevail, 
While  justice  holds  her  well-poised,  even  scale. 


294  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

THE   CUKE   OF  NAAMAN. 

ii  kings  5:  1-19. 

The  valiant  Naaman  led  the  Syrian  host 
In  many  wars,    and  Providence  through  him 
Had  many  triumphs  given.   The  king,  the  court, 
The  nation,  owed  him  gratitude  and  love. 
Though  high  exalted  in  the  nation's  heart, 
The  laureled  chieftain  was  a  leprous  man. 

A  little  Hebrew  maid  on  Naaman's  wife 
Attended..     Of  her  country  oft  she  spake ; 
Its  worship,  laws ;  its  prophet  and  its  God. 
She  often  spake  of  miracles  of  power 
And  mercy  wrought  within  her  native  land. 
She  loved  her  master,  and  she  gladly  said : 
"  Would  God  my  lord  was  in  Samaria's  walls, 
The  prophet  there  his  leprosy  would  heal." 
All  which  to  Naarnan  and  the  Syrian  king 
"Was  told,  exciting  confidence  and  hope. 

The  soldier  in  his  chariot  sits  in  state, 
"With  men  of  rank  on  horses  by  his  side ; 
And  in  his  train  a  liberal,  princely  gift; 
And  e'en  the  haughty  monarch  deigns  to  send 
A  suppliant  message  to  the  Hebrew  king. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  295 

Before  the  palace  gate  the  chariot  stands, 
A  splendid  retinue  from  Syria's  court. 
The  king  of  Israel  reads  :  "  Behold,  I  send 
My  servant  Xaaman  to  the  king  who  reigns 
In  Israel,  his  leprosy  to  cleanse." 
Before  his  counselors  the  scroll  is  placed, 
And  consternation  fills  the  royal  court. 
With  deep  abhorrence  of  Benhadad's  crime, 
And  jealous  of  the  name  of  Israel's  God, 
The  king  his  garment  rent :  i;  And  am  I  God," 
He  said,  ''to  kill  and  make  alive?     "Tis  known 
That  neither  earthly  power,  nor  human  skill 
The  leprosy  can  cure ;  and  yet  this  man 
Has  sent  to  me  his  servant's  leprosy 
To  heal.     The  Syrian  king  a  quarrel  seeks." 

Elisha  heard.     "  Why  are  thy  garments  rent, 
O  king  ?   With  hope  in  God  has  Xaaman  come ; 
And  Xaaman  and  his  master  too  shall  own 
That  God  a  prophet  has  in  Israel." 

The  chariot  stands  before  the  prophet's  door, 
'And  men  of  rank  in  gorgeous  equipage 
Attend.     The  valiant  warrior  deigns  to  think 
His  coming  crowns  the  man  of  God  with  honor. 
The  lordly  man  was  naught  before  the  one 
Whom  God  has  clothed  with  supernatural  power. 
The  prophet  moved  not,  spake  not,  bowed  not ; 


296  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

And  yet  to  magnify  the  name  of  God, 

The  haughty,  leprous  soldier  shall  be  healed. 

A  messenger  directs :  "  In  Jordan  wash 

Seven  times.     Thy  flesh  shall  come ;   thou  shalt  be 

clean." 
The  simple  grandeur  of  the  prophet's  word 
Made  no  display  of  human  greatness. 
The  haughty  soldier  turned  away  in  wrath. 
"  I  thought  that  he  would  make  some  grand  display ; 
"Would  stand  in  majesty  and  call  on  God ; 
Would  strike  his  hands,  and  bid  the  leper  whole. 
Are  not  Abana  and  Pharpar,  Syrian  rivers, 
Better  far  than  all  of  Israel's  waters? 
In  them  may  I  not  wash ;  in  them  be  clean  ?  " 
Ah  !  man  of  power  and  pride,  thou  wouldst  be  healed. 
But  Heaven  must  condescend  to  thy  aspiring. 
Thy  lofty  heart  must  bow  ere  thou  canst  live. 
Thy  will  must  yield  and  God  be  all  in  all. 
But  better  counsels  ruled  the  proud  man's  heart. ' 
"  My  father,  had  the  prophet  made  some  great 
Demand,  thou  wouldst  have  cheerfully  obeyed, 
And  why  not  ready  acquiesence  give 
To  that  small  word :  Go,  wash,  and  be  thou  clean." 

The  chariot  stands  on  Jordan's  sloping  bank, 
With  men  of  rank  on  horses  by  its  side. 
In  Jordan's  wave  the  humbled  Naaman  bathes. 
God  is  obeyed.     The  Syrian  leper 's  whole. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  297 

So  broken  hearts  and  contrite  souls  have  heard 
The  simple  gospel  word  :  Believe  and  live. 
And  venturing  there  in  confidence  of  God, 
The  spirit 's  washed  from  sin — the  soul  is  saved. 

The  chariot  stands  before  the  prophet's  door, 

And  Xaaman  came  to  offer  gratitude, 

And  srive  to  God  the  crlorv.     There  he  stood, 

Convinced  that  king  and  idols  all  were  vain ; 

And  there  before  the  holy  prophet  said : 

"  In  Israel  only  is  the  living  God, 

The  God  to  worship — God  of  power — God  of  love. 

No  sacrifice  thy  servant  e'er  shall  make, 

Save  to  the  Hebrew's  God,  the  great  Jehovah." 

The  prophet  met  him  with  benignant  look ; 

And  he  who  moved  not  when  .the  man  of  pride 

Approached,  now  took  the  proffered  hand 

Of  humbled  Xaaman,  blessed  the  chief,  and  said : 

"  Return  in  peace."     The  valiant  soldier  seeks 

His  king,  and  spreads  through  all  the  Syrian  court 

The  wonders  of  the  Lord. 


DIVINE  PROTECTION. 
ii  kixgs  6:  1-23. 

Benhadad,  king  of  Syria,  was  warring  with  Jehoram,  king 
of  Israel.     The  fame  of  the  prophet  Elisha  was  now  wide- 
13* 


298  •         SACRED     PARAPHRASES. 

spread.  Naaman,  the  high  officer  in  the  Syrian  army,  had 
recently  been  cured  of  his  leprosy,  by  the  prophet  in  Sa- 
maria; and  he  had  told  the  story  of  the  man  of  God  to  his 
court  and  his  king;  and  a  general  impression  had  been 
made  upon  the  minds  of  the  ministers  of  state  and  the 
officers  of  the  army,  that  Elisha  was  the  guardian  and  pro- 
tector of  Israel.  Still  Benhadad,.  confiding  in  his  strength 
and  the  power  of  his  idol,  anticipated  easy  victories  over  his 
enemy,  and  a  final  overthrow  of  the  Israelitish  throne.  The 
chosen  nation,  although  deeply  sinful,  was  not  yet  ripe  for 
ruin ;  and  God  for  a  season  frustrated  the  wisest  schemes  of 
the  invading  foe.  When  the  Syrian  king  and  his  ministers 
had  arranged,  in  the  most  secret  manner,  their  places  of 
encampment,  the  armies  of  Israel,  being  warned  by  the 
prophet,  had  repeatedly  avoided  their  ambushments,  and 
obtained  signal  advantages.  The  monarch  of  Syria  became 
greatly  perplexed.  Supposing  that  there  was  a  traitor 
among  his  counselors,  he  inquired  who  was  on  the  side  of 
the  king  of  Israel.  One  of  his  servants  said :  "  None,  ray 
lord,  oh  king  :  but  Elisha,  the  prophet,  telleth  the  king  of 
Israel  the  words  that  thou  speaketh  in  thy  bed  chamber." 
Being  informed  that  Elisha  was  in  the  little  walled  town  of 
Dothan,  the  king  sent  by  night  a  large  army  of  footmen  and 
cavalry,  to  capture  the  man  of  God. 

That  midnight  army ;  the  prophet  on  his  morning  watch 
tower ;  the  surrounding  mountains  filled  with  chariots  and 
horses  of  fire ;  and  the  complete  victory  obtained  by  the 
Lord,  are  sketched  in  this  scriptural  Paraphrase. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  299 

The  Syrian  host,  at  midnight  hour, 

Came  softly  o'er  the  field  ; 
And  round  the  city  placed  their  power 

Of  chariot,  horse,  and  shield  ; 
And  silently  the  cohort  waits. 
Till  morning  dawns,  before  the  gates. 

And  why  has  Syria's  monarch  sent 

His  chosen  army  down, 
At  midnight  hour,  to  spread  the  tent 

Before  a  peaceful  town  i 
That  martial  host  their  way  have  trod, 
To  bind  in  chains  one  man  of  God. 

A  wall  of  spears  in  thick  array 
Before  the  town  arose  ; 

The  citizens  unguarded  lay- 
In  innocent  repose ; 

Xor  knew,  till  morn  dispelled  the  gloom, 

And  shone  on  helm,  and  shield,  and  plume. 

Myriad  of  lances  in  that  hour 

Gleamed  in  the  prophet's  eye. 
That  eye  beheld  a  greater  power, 

An  army  in  the  sky. 
Elisha  stood  th'  approaching  shock, 
Firm  and  unmoved  as  Zion's  rock. 


300  SACKED     PARAPHRASES. 

Not  so,  that  morn,  the  youthful  saint 
Who  stood  before  the  seer : 

His  faith  was  wgak  ;  his  heart  was  faint ; 
His  soul  was  filled  with  fear. 

"  Oh,  who,  my  master,  can  withstand 

The  might  of  this  surrounding  band  ?  " 

"  To  us  a  stronger  power  is  given, 
Than  Syria's  monarch  boasts  ; 

Our  troop  is  marshaled  in  the  heaven, 
Our  head  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

Unseal,  oh  God,  the  servant's  eye 

To  see  our  heavenly  panoply." 

Chariots  and  horses  rushing  came 
And  filled  the  mountain's  brow. 

The  youth  beheld  the  host  of  flame, 
And  trusts  and  triumphs  now. 

Oh !  who  can  brave  Jehovah's  ire, 

Who  comes  with  horse,  and  wheels  of  fire 

The  Syrian  spears  like  forests'  wood 

The  prophet  of  the  Lord 
Inclose.    Unarmed,  Elisha  stood 

And  conquered  by  a  word  : 
*'  With  darkness,  Lord,  the  people  smite." 
And  all  that  host  was  lost  in  night. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  301 

He  led  them  like  a  feeble  flock 

Within  Samaria's  walls ; 
And  there  to  Israel's  God  and  Rock, 

Again  the  prophet  calls : 
"  Unseal  their  eyes."     And  all  that  band 
Beheld  their  power  in  Israel's  hand. 

Dismissed  in  peace,  the  Syrian  king 

Laid  spear  and  helmet  down  ; 
And  owned  that  'neath  Jehovah's  wing' 

Was  sheltered  Israel's  crown  ; 
And  knew  that  horse,  and  shield,  and  sword, 
Were  weak  and  vain  before  the  Lord. 

The  hosts  of  earth,  the  hosts  of  hell, 

Mount  Zion's  peace  oppose ; 
Celestial  armies,  marshaled  well, 

The  Church  of  God  inclose ; 
And  earth  and  hell  are  feeble  things, 
In  presence  of  the  King  of  kings. 


THE  MODEL  WIFE. 

PKOVERBS  31 :   10-31. 

Ko  rubies  bright,  no  rubies  rare, 

Can  with  the  virtuous  wife  compare. 

Her  wisdom,  strength  ;  her  grace  and  worth, 

Excel  the  richest  gems  of  earth  ; 


302  SACKED   PARAPHRASES. 

And  happy  he  to  whom  is  given 
This  priceless  gift — this  gift  of  heaven. 

The  husband's  feet  will  never  roam 
From  his  enriched,  well-ordered  home ; 
Her  prudent  care,  her  constant  breast, 
Will  ever  keep  his  heart  at  rest ; 
Nor  will  he  need,  by  weary  toil 
In  sinful  ways,  to  gather  spoil. 

Her  heart  with  equal  love  will  burn, 
And  seek  by  pleasing  love's  return ; 
His  honor,  peace,  and  house,  will  share 
Her  purest  interest,  constant  care  ; 
And  by  her  wise  and  gentle  ways, 
Shall  seek  his  good  through  all  her  days 

Her  busy  hands  the  fleece  unfold, 
And  turn  the  wool  and  flax  to  gold, 
Her  linens  and  embroideries 
Of  various  forms,  and  various  dies, 
Are  sent  afar ;  and  food  she  brings, 
Like  merchants'  ships  upon  their  wings. 

Before  the  morn  has  tinged  the  skies, 
Her  household  and  her  maidens  rise. 
She  gives  their  food  with  hearty  cheer; 
With  willing  mind  she  fills  her  sphere ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  303 

And  when  the  sun  is  shorn  of  light, 
Her  candle  shines  far  in  the  night. 

Girded  with  strength  her  hands  are  given 
To  useful  works,  ordained  by  Heaven 
The  house  to  build,  enlarge,  and  bless, 
With  plenty,  wealth,  and  happiness. 
And  all  the  while  she  sees  the  Lord 
Her  labors  crown — her  works  reward. 

Her  industry  gives  blooming  health. 
Her  prudent  care  wins  ample  wealth. 
She  buys  a  field,  and  plants  the  vine, 
And  turns  the  clusters  into  wine ; 
And  girdles,  linens,  wines,  are  sold 
To  merchant  men  for  pearls  and  gold. 

Rich  tapestries  her' rooms  adorn, 
And  scarlet  suits  her  children  warm. 
At  home  are  raiments  all  complete 
For  winter's  cold,  and  summer's  heat ; 
And  she,  th'  industrious  wife,  is  seen 
In  purple  robes,  the  household  queen. 

The  graces  of  the  higher  life 

Adorn  th'  industrious,  pious  wife. 

Her  thoughts,  and  words,  and  deeds,  accord 

With  loving  precepts  of  the  Lord. 


304:  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

With  faith,  and  love,  and  holy  fear, 
She  fills  aright  her  noble  sphere. 

Sweet  charity  inspires  her  breast. 
The  widow,  stranger,  and  oppressed, 
Enjoy  her  gifts.     Her  open  door 
Gives  shelter  to  the  suffering  poor. 
All  worthy  calls  throughout  the  land 
Receive  the  offerings  of  her  hand. 

In  marts  of  trade,  on  change,  in  court, 
Where  men  of  note  and  worth  resort, 
Her  husband  moves,  esteemed  and  known, 
As  happy  in  his  pleasant  home. 
The  spouse  is  honored  as  he  rears 
His  noble  head  among  his  peers. 

To  all  wise  counsels  she  imparts ; 
And  deeply  in  her  heart  of  hearts 
Pure  love  resides  ;  while  from  her  tongue 
Drop  kindly  words  to  old  and  young ; 
And  household  troubles  she  beguiles 
With  gentle  looks  and  pleasant  smiles. 

When  days  of  youth  and  strength  are  fled, 
And  age  has  silvered  o'er  her  head, 
How  sweet  the  joy,  at  evening  hours, 
To  know  that  heaven  imparted  powers 


•    MISCELLANEOUS.  305 

Have  been  employed  in  works  that  crown 
The  house  with  comfort  and  renown. 

Her  maidens'  ways  and  morals  share 
Her  constant  watch — her  pious  care. 
Her  daughters,  loved  and  honored,  meet 
Around  her  in  her  calm  retreat ; 
And  by  love's  holy  influence  led, 
Pour  grateful  praises  on  her  head. 

Kindred  and  neighbors,  joined  in  bands, 
Give  her  the  crown  her  worth  demands. 
Her  husband  owns  her  noble  name, 
And  spreads  abroad  her  well  earned  fame; 
And  all  her  works  of  goodness  wait, 
To  praise  her  in  the  public  gate. 

Embellishments  of  mode  and  art 
May  charm  awhile  th'  enraptured  heart ; 
And  wit,  and  wealth,  and  rank,  may  bind 
In  fashion's  wiles  th'  admiring  mind  ; 
But  time  will  prove  how  false  are  these, 
To  keep  pure  love,  and  ever  please. 

And  beauty,  though  a  blooming  flower, 
Will  wither  in  the  trying  hour ; 
And  outward  loveliness  may  hide 
A  heart  that 's  cold,  and  filled  with  pride. 


306  SACKED     PARAPHRASES.   - 

Th'  enamored  pair  in  time  will  know 
That  beauty  's  but  an  empty  show. 

But  she  who  fears  and  loves  the  Lord, 
"Will  spread  her  influence  all  abroad  ; 
Will  build  her  house,  will  gain  esteem, 
And  reign  at  home  the  household  queen ; 
And  God  and  man,  through  all  her  days, 
"Will  own  her  worth,  and  speak  her  praise. 


o 


THE    SPOUSE  TO    THE    HEAVENLY 
HUSBAND. 

Tell  me,  oh  thou  whom  my  soul  loveth,  where  thou  feedeth, 
where  thou  makest  thy  flock  to  rest  at  noon:  for  why  should  I  be  as 
one  that  turneth  aside  by  the  flocks  of  thy  companions  ? 

If  thou  know  not,  oh  thou  fairest  among  women,  go  thy  way 
forth  by  the  footsteps  of  the  flock,  and  feed  thy  kids  beside  the  shep- 
herds' tents. 

"  Tell  me,  dear  Saviour,  God  of  grace, 
Whom  my  heart  holds  in  love's  embrace  ; 
Oh  tell  me  where  Thy  board  is  spread 
"With  soul-sustaining,  cheering  bread? 
I  long  to  be  where  Thou  doth  give 
The  food  on  which  Thy  children  live. 

Where,  gentle  Shepherd,  doth  Thou  keep 
Prom  harm  at  night,  Thy  feeble  sheep  ? 


MISCELLANEOUS.  307 

Oh  tell  me  where 's  the  shadowy  rock 
That  shields  at  noon  Thy  weary  flock  ? 
I  long  to  know,  when  sore  oppressed, 
The  shelters  where  Thy  saints  may  rest. 

Oh  why  should  I,  thy  loving  bride, 
E'en  seem  to  wander  from  Thy  side  ? 
I  would  not  follow  flocks  that  stray 
From  Thy  sure  path — Thy  holy  way. 
Oh,  gentle  Shepherd,  come  and  shine 
On  this  most  anxious  heart  of  mine." 

"  I  will,  my  fair  one,  I  will  show 
Thy  way  to  live,  thy  way  to  go ; 
Mark  well  the  paths  the  saints  have  trod, 
In  all  their  journeys  up  to  God  ; 
And  let  thy  children  ever  share 
The  Shepherd's  tent — the  Shepherd's- care. 

From  age  to  age  the  saints  of  God, 
The  same  well-beaten  paths  have  trod. 
Walk  thou  with  them,  and  thou  shalt  prove 
Thy  Saviour's  present,  future  love  ; 
And  share  with  them  their  sure  reward, 
The  full  salvation  of  the  Lord." 


308  SACKED  PARAPHRASES. 


THE  YOICE  OF  SPRING. 

My  Beloved  spake,  and  said  unto  me:  Rise  up,  my  love,  my  fair 
one,  and  come  away.  For  lo,  the  winter  is  past,  the  rain  is  over  and 
gone  ;  the  flowers  appear  on  the  earth  ;  the  time  of  the  singing  of 
birds  is  come,  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land;  the 
fig  tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs,  and  the  vines  with  the  tender 
grape  give  a  good  smell.  Arise,  my  Love,  my  fair  One,  and  come 
away. 

The  winter  months  have  passed  away, 

The  rainy  days  are  o'er ; 
Arrayed  in  green  comes  sunny  May 

With  renovating  power. 

All  o'er  the  land  the  flowerets  bloom ; 

On  every  budding  tree 
The  merry  birds  of  every  plume 

Make  cheerful  minstrelsy. 

From  green  wood  bowers  the  turtle's  notes 

O'er  all  the  land  extend  ; 
"We  hear  the  music  as  it  floats 

Like  voices  of  a  friend. 

The  buds  of  fig  trees  now  expand ; 

The  vineyards  are  in  bloom  ; 
And  vines,  and  fig  trees,  o'er  the  land 

Are  wafting  sweet  perfume. 


MISCELL  ANE0US. 

I  cannot  wait,  or  tarry  long, 
When  nature,  all  unbound, 

Has  come  to  life,  to  joy,  and  song, 
And  glory  smiles  around. 

The  Spirit's  voice  invites  above. 

I  hear  the  Saviour  say : 
Awake,  desponding  child  of  love, 

Arise,  and  come  away  ! 


309 


COMING  FKOM  THE  WILDEKNESS. 

Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  from  the  wilderness,  leaning  upon 
her  Beloved? 

When  sin's  enchantment  bound  the  soul, 
The  earth  appeared  like  Eden's  bowers, 

Where  roving  hearts,  without  control, 

Might  gather  naught  but  wreaths  of  flowers ; 

And  then  I  said  :  'k  Oh,  let  me  roam 
From  bliss  to  bliss  in  this  my  happy  home." 

The  Spirit's  power  the  charm  has  broke ; 

The  earth  appears  a  desert  now, 
"Where  pilgrim  saints  can  only  find 

The  wreaths  of  thorns  to  bind  the  brow. 
And  now  I  say :  "  Oh,  let  me  rise   - 
From  grace  to  grace  to  God's  own  Paradise." 


►10  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

The  Saviour  left  the  throne  of  God  ; 

Triumphant  mercy  brought  Him  down ; 
The  wilderness  the  Saviour  trod. 

And  wore  on  earth  the  thorny  crown. 
His  walk  is  now  where  wreaths  of  flowers 
Adorn  His  brow  in  heaven's  immortal  bowers. 

On  this  beloved  One  I  '11  rest, 

A  pilgrim  through  this  world  of  woe. 
There  is  a  land  forever  blessed, 

Where  thorns  with  roses  never  grow  ; 
And  I  will  say:  "  Oh,  let  me  rise, 
And  gather  thornless  flowers  in  Paradise." 


TILL  SHINES  THE  STAE  IN  ZION'S  SKY. 

Until  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows  flee  away,  I  will  get  ine  to 
the  mountain  of  myrrh,  and  to  the  hill  of  frankincense. 

.  The  ordinances  of  God  to  a  pious  Israelite  were  as  sooth- 
ing to  the  soul,  as  dwelling  on  a  mountain  of  myrrh,  and  a 
hill  of  frankincense,  would  be  grateful  to  the  body.  In  the 
enjoyment  of  these  sacred  institutions,  the  ancient  believer 
waited  in  hope  till  the  shadows  of  the  legal  dispensation  were 
dispersed  by  the  breaking  of  the  gospel  day,  and  the  rising 
of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness.  If  Old  Testament  rites  were 
like  mountains  of  myrrh  and  hills  of  frankincense  to  an 
Israelite,  what  are  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  to  a  Chris- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  -SI  1. 

tian ;    and   what   will    be  the  privileges    of  heaven  to  the 
glorified  ? 

Till  shines  the  star  in  Zion's  sky- 
That  tells  the  glorious  sun  is  nigh; 
Till  types  and  shadows  flee  away 
Before  the  light  of  gospel  day  ; 
My  soul  shall  find  a  safe  retreat 
On  hills  of  myrrh  and  perfumes  sweet ; 
And  faith  and  hope  shall  soothe  the  soul, 
As  clouds  of  incense  o'er  me  roll. 
And  oh  !   when  spicy  hills  impart 
Such  fragrance  to  the  bleeding,  heart, 
How  sweet  the  joy,  how  pure,  how  bright, 
To  see  the  Lord  in  gospel  light! 

Till  closing  time  the  vail  has  riven 

That  hides  from  view  the  inmost  heaven ; 

Till  gospel  radiance  dies  away 

In  beamings  of  celestial  day  ; 

My  heart  shall  rest  on  Zion's  heights, 

'Mid  golden  lamps  of  burning  lights ; 

And  faith  shall  teach  the  soul  to  see 

The  openings  of  eternity. 

And  oh  !  when  Zion's  mountains  shine, 

So  clear,  so  pure,  so  much  divine, 

What  floods  of  light  shall  fill  the  place, 

Where  God  is  worshiped  face  to  face ! 


312  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


THE  BEAUTIFUL  SAYIOUK. 

"What  is  thy  Beloved  more  than  another  beloved,  oh  thou  fairest 
among  women ?  What  is  thy  Beloved  more  than  another  beloved 
that  thou  dost  so  charge  us.  My  Beloved  is  white  and  ruddy,  the 
chiefest  among  ten  thousand.  His  head  is  as  the  most  fine  gold,  His 
locks  are  bushy,  and  black  as  a  raven.  His  eyes  are  as  the  eyes  of 
doves  by  the  rivers  of  waters,  washed  with  milk  and  fitly  set.  His 
cheeks  are  as  a  bed  of  spices,  as  sweet  flowers ;  His  lips  like  lillies, 
dropping  sweet  smelling  myrrh.  His  hands  are  as  gold  rings  set 
with  beryl ;  His  belly  is  as  bright  ivory  overlaid  with  sapphires. 
His  legs  are  as  pillows  of  marble  set  upon  sockets  of  fine  gold.  His 
countenance  is  as  Lebanon,  excellent  as  the  cedars.  His  mouth  is 
most  sweet :  yea,  He  is  altogether  lovely.  This  is  my  Beloved,  and 
this  is  my  Friend,  oh  daughters  of  Jerusalem. 

And  do  you  ask,  and  will  you  know, 

"Why  I  should  love  the  Saviour  so  ? 

Oh,  were  your  eyes  illumed  to  see 

The  Friend  that 's  now  revealed  to  me ; 

Your  souls,  with  all  their  powers,  would  twine 

Around  this  loving  Friend  of  mine ! 

My  Saviour 's  altogether  fair, 
Beyond  all  thought,  beyond  compare. 
In  Him  all  shining  graces  meet : 
His  soul  is  spotless,  form  complete. 
One  line  of  beauty,  more  or  less, 
Would  spoil  His  perfect  comeliness. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  313 

The  tints  of  red,  the  shades  of  white, 
Commingling  soft,  in  Him  unite, 
And  form  the  pure  etherial  hue, 
That 's  seen  in  rose  buds  washed  in  dew. 
So  innocence  and  justice  dwell 
Soft-blended  in  Immanuel. 

His  bushy  locks  of  raven  jet 

Roll  down  beneath  his  coronet ; 

Fair  sign  that  youth  and  power  remain 

For  ever  vital  in  His  reign. 

The  Church  secure,  shall  ever  own 

The  strength  and  glory  of  His  throne. 

His  sparkling  eye  in  softness  beams 
Like  doves  that  wash  in  gentle  streams 
Their  milk-white  plumes  ;  the  emblem  bright 
Of  perfect  knowledge,  pleasant  light, 
That  shines  most  pure  in  Jesus'  face, 
Ever  beauteous — full  of  grace. 

His  cheeks  are  stored  with  rich  perfume, 
As  beds  of  spices — flowers  in  bloom. 
Ko  fragrant  plants,  in  nature's  field, 
Such  pleasure  give,  such  sweetness  yield, 
As  faith  imparts,  when  glories  shine, 
In  glimpses,  from  His  face  divine. 


14 


314  SACRED    PARAPHRASES. 

His  lips  like  purple  lillies  are, 
Dropping  sweet-smelling  fragrant  myrrh. 
My  Saviour's  lips  are  stored  with  grace ; 
He  calls  me  to  His  pure  embrace ; 
And  words  of  peace,  and  words  of  love, 
My  very  soul  to  transport  move. 

His  arms  the  pictured  rings  infold ; 
There  shines  the  diamond  set  in  gold.  • 
My  Saviour's  works  of  grace  and  power 
Are  full  of  blessings,  hour  by  hour  ; 
More  precious  than  the  hands  that  show 
The  jewel's  richest,  purest  glow. 

The  ivory's  whiteness,  sapphire's  shine, 
Will  tell  you  of  Hislove  divine — 
His  tender  mercies  ever  sure, 
Which  will  from  age  to  age  endure. 
The  Church  triumphant,  will  record 
The  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord. 

Pillars  of  marble,  set  in  gold, 
The  massive  structure  firmly  hold. 
My  Saviour  walks  in  strength,  and  bears 
The  Church  secure  with  all  her  cares. 
Mercy  and  truth  His  throne  sustain, 
The  pillars  of  His  glorious  reign. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  315 

Like  Lebanon  with  cedars  crowned, 
O'er  all  the  sons  of  God  renowned, 
His  stately,  comely  form  appears. 
The  glory  that  His  person  wears, 
The  saints  below,  and  saints  above, 
Admire  and  praise,  adore  and  love. 

His  month  Is  sweet.     The  thrilling  kiss 
Of  holy  love  has  bathed  in  bliss 
My  inmost  soul.     I  hear  His  voice : 
;-  My  sister  ;  spouse  ;  rejoice,  rejoice." 
I  meet  His  calls ;  I  sing  His  grace, 
And  heaven  is  found  in  His  embrace. 

And  do  you  ask,  and  will  you  know, 

Why  1  should  love  my  Jesus  so  i 

Oh !  were  your  eyes  illumed  to  see 

The  Friend  that 's  now  revealed  to  me, 

Your  souls,  with  all  their  powers,  would  twine 

Around  this  loving  Friend  of  mine. 


THE  JEWELS. 

And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  that  day  when 
I  shall  make  up  my  jf-wels. 

On  Aaron's  breast  the  gems  were  bright, 
Whene'er  his  footsteps  trod 


316  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

"Within  the  holiest  place  of  light, 
And  bowed  before  his  God. 

That  jeweled  plate  of  burning  stones, 
Hadiant  in  every  part, 

Was  emblem  of  the  shining  ones 

•   Upon  the  Saviour's  heart. 

And  brilliant  pearls  the  walls  compose 

Of  fair  Jerusalem ; 
And  every  gate  in  beauty  glows, 

One  pure,  effulgent  gem. 
That  jeweled  city,  built  in  heaven, 

The  palace  of  the  Lord, 
Is  Zion,  in  her  glory  given, 

The  Saviour's  great  reward. 

And  when  the- Father's  hand  erects 

The  temple  of  His  praise, 
Beneath  the  holy  work  He  sets 
-    The  Stone  of  living  rays ; 
And  lively  stones,  from  every  clime 

"Where  human  steps  have  trod, 
Meet  here,  in  blended  fires,  to  shine, 

The  jeweled  house  of  God. 

The  Spirit's  power  the  bride  has  formed ; 

She 's  clothed  in  whiteness  now  ; 
In  gems  of  grace  she  stands  adorned — 

The  diamond  's  on  her  brow. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  317 

That  radiant  fair  one  in  the  sheen 

Of  brilliants  beautified, 
Is  Zion,  in  her  sacred  mien, 

The  Saviours  jeweled  bride. 

There  is  a  solemn,  trying  day, 

Of  rushing,  melting  fire, 
"When  earth's  proud  brilliants  shall  decay, 

And  glittering  heavens  expire. 
On  that  dread  day  shall  Jesse's  stem 

Receive  His  great  renown ; 
And  every  saint,  a  living  gem, 

Shall  grace  His  starry  crown. 


o 


THE  BRUISED  REED. 

The  bruised  reed  He   will  not  break. 

The  ancient  musician  broke  his  slender  instrument  of 
music  when  overwhelmed  with  affliction.  A  bruised  reed 
was  the  emblem  of  the  heart  broken  with  sorrow. 

My  bruised  reed  lies  broken  now, 

The  melancholy  token 
That  sadness  clothes  my  aching  brow — 

That  my  poor  heart  is  broken : 
All  human  power  may  strive  in  vain 
To  bind  that  reed  for  song  again. 


318  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 

My  harp  that  breathed  seraphic  fire, 
Affliction's  hand  lias  riven  ; 

But  Jesus  will  not  break  the  lyre ; 
This  heart  was  made  for  heaven. 

The  Saviour's  hand  will  heal  the  soul, 

To  sing  to  Him  who  made  it  whole. 

Though  bruised  to-day,  the  hand  of  love 
Will  heal  the  reed  to-morrow ; 

And  soon,  'mid  spirit  harps  above, 
This  bruised  heart  of  sorrow 

Will  breath  to  Thee,  O  God !  to  Thee, 

The  strains  of  heavenly  minstrelsy. 


THE  MOKNING  STAE. 

And  I  will   give  him  the   Morning  Star. 

Darkness  was  spread  o'er  all  the  heaven, 
The  storm  was  gathering  fast; 

From  pole  to  pole  a  fearful  night 
O'er  all  the  earth  was  cast. 

Behind  the  sable  canopy 

The  Star  of  glory  lay ; 
Its  bright  effulgence  broke  the  cloud, 

And  gave  one  beam  of  day. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

The  beam  enlarged,  increased  in  power, 
The  clond  was  further  rent ; 

And  richer,  broader,  brighter  rajs, 
To  earth's  dark  realms  were  sent. 

From  age  to  age  the  splendor  grew, 
The  clond  was  sundered  far, 

Till  over  Bethlehem  appeared 
The  full  orbed  risen  Star. 

The  shining  of  that  radiant  Orb 
From  vale  to  mountain  ran ; 

Retreating  darkness  owned  the  power, 
That  poured  its  light  on  man. 

And  still  tli'  effulgent  Star  will  move 

Fast  on  its  luminous  way ; 
Till  earth,  all  shining,  shall  enjoy 

The  long  millennial  day. 


And  soon  the  Church,  all  bathed  in  light, 

In  yonder  world    afar, 
Shall  wear  upon  her  shining  brow 

The  bright — the  Morning  Star. 


319 


320  SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


THE  HEAVENLY  BRIDEGROOM  TO  THE 
DAUGHTER  OF  THE  WORLD. 

Behold  I  stand  at  the   door  and  knock. 

Arise,  daughter,  arise  from  earth's  pleasures  that  bind, 
With  the  cold  chain  of  death  the  bright  gem  of  the 

mind ; 
Oh !  rescue  the  jewel  from  charms  that  have  bound  it, 
The  snares  of  the  spoiler  that 's  twining  around  it : 
Though  its  beauty  is  faded, 

And  its  purity  dim; 
Though  its  glory  is  shaded, 
Still  given  to  Him, 
Who  was  slain  for  its  ransom,  His  mercy  will  s&ye  it, 
Unsullied  and  pure,  for  the  Spirit  that  gave  it. 

Come,  daughter,  arise ;  for  the  flowerets  that  bloom 
So  sweet  in  your  bosom,  are  plucked  for  the  tomb : 
And  the  best  wreath  you  twine  'mid  the  friends  that 

adore  it, 
Will  fade  when  the  breath  of  affliction  moves  o'er  it  • 
But  the  rose  buds  on  calvary, 

All  lovely  in  pride, 
Which  the   Bridegoom  will  gather, 
To  garland  His  bride, 
When  your  cold  heart  of  stone  to  His  bosom  is  given, 
Will  bloom  in  your  crown  ever  fragrant  in  heaven. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  321 

Oh  think  not  the  scenes  of  enjoyment  that  now 
Enliven  your  bosom,  and  gladden  your  brow, 
Forever  will  last ;  and  that  friendships,  though  pure 
They  may  seem  to  you  now,  will  forever  endure. 

Earth's  scenes  are  all  fading, 
And  friendships  will  cease  ; 

The  world  is  illusive 
In  its  promise  of  peace. 
Then  daughter,  arise ;  for  the  world  you  inherit, 
Is  no  rest  for  the  heart,  and  no  home  for  the  spirit. 

And  the  wreath  of  eternity  lay  at  His  feet, 
And  the  robe  of  His  righteousness  hung  at  His  side ; 
And  His  promises  beamed  on  His  bosom,  that  beat 
Eor  the  cares  of  His  fair  one,  and  wants  of  His  bride ; 
And  His  eye  beamed  in  mercy, 

His  heart  moved  in  love, 
And  Heaven  stood  calling 
The  spirit  above. 
Oh,  daughter,  arise  from  earth's  pleasures  that  bind 
With  the  cold  chain  of  death  the  bright  gem  of  the 
mind. 

Oh  break  not  the  charm  :  let  me  rest  in  earth's  shade, 
Where   my  sweetest  enjoyments    and  treasures  are 

laid  ; 
As  I  glance  thro'  the  vista  of  rapture  and  feeling, 
On  the  gay  rosy  smiles  that  are  over  it  stealing. 

14° 


322 


SACRED  PARAPHRASES. 


The  world  is  enchanting, 


'Tis  swimming  in  light; 
.    Its  joys  are  ecstatic, 

Its  visions  are  bright: 
Let  me  bask  in  its  sunshine,  and  rest  in  its  shade, 
"Where  my  sweetest  enjoyments    and  treasures  are 
laid. 

And  the  Bridegroom  has  gone :   let  her  slumber  and 

sleep 
Till  the  morning  shall  break,  when  she  rises  to  weep. 
Oh  !  had  she  one  look  of  sincerity  given, 
And  glanced  thro'  the  vista  that  opens  in  heaven ; 
Had  her  spirit,  ascending 

On  pinions  of  prayer, 

Once  gazed  on  the  brightness 

Of  glory  that's  there, 

It  never  had  moved  from  the  glimpse  it  had  taken, 

To  repose  on  the  earth  that  its  hopes  had  forsaken. 


THE  EMBLEMATIC  HEAVEN. 

REVELATION,    CHAPTERS    4,    5,    21     AND    22. 

The  Holy  Ghost  has  cast  my  soul 
In  state  of  trance,  beyond  control 
Of  natural  power,  and  visions  rise 
Of  glorious  things  in  Paradise. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  323 

A  trumpet  voice  salutes  my  ear, 
And  wakes  my  soul  these  words  to  hear: 
"  Come  up  on  high,  and  thou  shalt  see 
The  glories  of  eternity." 

And  now  on  lofty  hills  I  stand, 
And  view  the  bright,  celestial  land. 
The  holy  city  I  behold, 
With  gates  of  pearl  and  streets  of  gold, 
With  jeweled  walls  so  clear  and  bright, 
•  No  mortal  could  endure  the  si^ht. 

I  see  within  the  sapphire  throne, 
And  One  thereon  like  sardine  stone. 
The  rainbow's  arch  is  o'er  the  scene, 
Soft  as  the  emerald's  purest  queen. 
Seven  lamps  of  fire  are  shining  bright, 
Filling  the  place  with  dazzling  light. 
Clear  as  the  crystal,  there  I  see, 
Burnished  like  brass,  the  molten  sea. 
Four  living  creatures,  full  of  eyes, 
Before  my  gazing  vision  rise ; 
Swift  to  fulfill  words  from  the  throne, 
Six  wiugs  around  their  forms  are  thrown. 
And  now  my  wondering  eyes  behold 
Full  four  and  twenty  seats  of  gold, 
The  thrones  on  which  the  elders  rest, 
In  robes  of  spotless  whiteness  dressed: 


324:  SACRED   PARAPHRASES. 

Their  heads  are  graced  with  diadems 

That  sparkle  with  the  richest  gems; 

And  in  uplifted  hands  they  hold, 

High  strung  for  song,  their  harps  of  gold ; 

And  golden  cups,  from  which  arise 

A  fragrant,  constant  sacrifice. 

Waters  of  life  like  crystal  clear, 

Before  my  gazing  eyes  appear ; 

And  trees  of  life,  whose  branches  bear 

Twelve  kinds  of  fruit  throughout  the  year. 

The  sapphire  throne,  the  Holy  One 
Like  jasper  and  the  sardine  stone, 
The  covenant  bow  of  mellow  dies, 
The  living  creatures  full  of  eyes, 
The  lamps  of  fire  all  burning  bright, 
The  elders  clothed  in  robes  of  white, 
The  golden  crowns,  the  crystal  sea, 
The  harps  attuned  to  melody, 
The  golden  censers  shedding  round 
Frankincence  o'er  the  holy  ground, 
The  river  pure,  the  trees  that  bear 
Life-giving  fruits  throughout  the  year — 
Oh !  what  ecstatic  visions  roll 
Their  waves  of  glory  o'er  my  soul. 

Behold,  amid  this  gorgeous  scene, 
I  see  a  Form  of  humble  mien, 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

Standing  before  the  throne  above, 
Full  of  meekness — full  of  love, 
Bearing  the  marks  of  one  who  died — 
The  Lamb  of  God,  the  crucified, 
The  central  glory  in  the  train, 
The  spotless  Lamb  for  sinners  slain. 

My  soul  exults.     The  inmost  skies 

Contain  th'   atoning  sacrifice, 

The  precious  pledge  that  God  has  given 

Of  joyful  entrance  into  heaven. 

Before  the  Man  of  calvary 

I  see  the  elders  bend  the  knee, 

And  join  the  bright,  angelic  throng, 

And  shout  the  grand,  triumphant  song; 

And  this  the  high,  ecstatic  strain: 

"  "Worthy  the  Lamb  for  sinners  slain." 
I  hear  the  heaven,  and  earth,  and  sea, 
Proclaim  in  blended  harmony : 

"  Glory  to  Him  who  fills  the  throne ; 
And  glory  to  th'  incarnate  Son : 
All  blessing,  honor,  love,  and  power, 
Be  given  to  God  forever  more ! " 


~^:j.zi  ?n^^..^:- 


HEAVED. 


And  there  shall  be  no  night  there.  And  the  city  had  no  need 
of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it :  for  the  glory  of  God 
did  ligfrfc*1*  it;  and  the  Lamb  i=  the  liirht  th e 

Mysterious  heaven !    vailed  throne  of  God ! 

Faint  are  thy  beamings  given 
Tc         rtals  as  they  tread  the  road 
That  leads   k   Thy  sublime  abode, 

Oh!  deep,  mysterious  heaven. 

And  yet  the  vail  that  hides  the  throne, 

The  Son  of  God  has  riven : 
The  opening  lets  some  glory  fl 
I     anxious  hearts,  enough  to  show 

That  all  is  light  in  heaven. 

:ny  soul,  in  patience  wait, 
Just  on  the  verge  of  even ; 
The  cloud  will  soon  be  rolled  away, 
1  thou  wilt  find  in  perfect  day, 
K  r.es  in  heav- 

Land  of  the  promise — world  of  hope — 

Home  to  the  weary  gi 
In  thee  the  Saviour  wide  displays 
Godhead,  and  His  won 
1  all  is  Light  in  hea 


MTOTTCTT,  A  \KOFS   POEMS. 


~z:.  !.:?■:.  —  :z*:  v":  L:Vf  tt:i  ".".■:!=  :'ic. 
IM**  fitter  soovw  see; 

A"    1    ~ .    .  .    11    .1  .  '.  •-'»..    1Z  1    1  .  7      "-      '.VI    I  ;:.",.."«.. 
_  Zr   r    ~~  -:':,:.  f    _  !  ~  _"r    "  .  V.     1    * :  -t  1  1  . 

_Lz  i  ';;.:::"  ;  . —  z.  i_i  ~l..z   .'  ':■.:,. "i.. 
1:  Tz.z  -•:--:  z.z  Lz  zzzc:! 


"When  fearfe  we  if eawffihr  k»Te<&  same 

'.  _     ~_:    ~:z.i  ~.zz     .  »   z.:z:rf 
1:  T_. :z   —  -.:"  z . z  zz   rzs:  ': 


Azi  -": ..  —  :zli  :z:z  :'_z-  rjz 

A:  :.  ~  :_-.    •.zzz  -  : : z  ^z  : 
L:   ^::    vi\-_.^i    ;:    irzzi   zz  i   zz. 

He  could  MftMt4»-Tkeel 


328  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Oh !  life  would  be  a  weary  doom, 
And  earth  a  poor  reward, 

If  mercy  shed  not  through  the  gloom 
The  sunshine  of  the  Lord. 

Oh !  then  Pll  count  life's  troubles  o'er, 

Life's  bitter  sorrows  see ; 
When  smitten  hard,  and  wounded  sore, 

I'll  rest,  O  Lord,  in  Thee! 


INVOCATION  TO  FAITH. 

Come  to  my  bosom,  precious  grace, 
And  make  my  heart  thy  dwelling  place : 
To  thee  the  Saviour  power  has  given, 
To  save  the  soul,  and  lead  to  heaven. 

Come  to  the  guilty :  come  and  bring 
The  righteousness  of  Zion's  king ; 
And  bind  the  conscience  torn  with  care, 
And  heal  the  bosom  of  despair. 

Come  to  the  mourner :  come  and  lave 
His  aching  brow  in  mercy's  wave ; 
And  sootli  the  woes  in  sorrow's  breast, 
And  give  the  weary  spirit  rest. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  329 

Come  to  the  contrite :  come  and  bind 
The  bleeding  heart,  the  broken  mind ; 
Revive  and  animate  the  soul, 
And  make  the  bruised  conscience  whole. 

Come  to  the  hopeless :  come  and  show 
The  promise  sure,  the  covenant  bow ; 
And  teach  the  soul  in  hope  to  see 
The  seal  of  immortality. 

Come  to  the  soldier :  come  and  dress 
His  soul  in  mail  of  righteousness ; 
And  bring  the  Spirit's  gleaming  sword, 
And  bid  him  triumph  in  the  Lord. 

Come  to  the  dying :  come  and  take 
From  death  his  sting,  his  scepter  break ; 
And  whisper  through  expiring  breath  : 
"  Thy  spear  is  broken,  king  of  death." 

Come  to  the  mourner :  come  and  pour 
From  mercy's  urn  a  healing  shower ; 
And  bid  the  heart,  with  anguish  torn, 
Behold  the  resurrection  morn. 

Oh  faith  of  God  !  Thy  piercing  eye 
Sees  perfect  glory  in  the  sky ; 
T  is  thine  to  fill  the  Christian's  breast, 
With  earnests  of  eternal  rest. 


330  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Come  to  my  bosom,  precious  grace, 
And  make  my  heart  thy  dwelling  place ; 
To  thee  the  Saviour  power  has  given 
To  save  the  lost,  and  lead  to  heaven. 


THE  SEA. 

I  looked  on  the  sea,  and  the  tempest  roamed 

O'er  its  bosom  that  was  rudely  swelling ; 
Every  wave  ran  high,  every  billow  foamed 

On  the  face  of  the  wide  watery  dwelling. 
And  thus,  I  have  said,  the  passions  sweep 

The  bosom  of  peace  forsaken  ; 
And  the  soul  of  man,  like  the  angry  deep, 

With  tempests  of  feeling  is  shaken. 

I  looked  on  the  sea,  and  the  sunbeams  threw 

Their  glow  and  their  loveliness  o'er  it : 
Not  a  sound  was  heard,  not  a  murmur  flew 

On  the  stillness  of  evening  before  it. 
And  thus,  I  have  said,  his  passions  rest, 

"With  the  sunshine  of  peace  around  them, 
Who  has  checked  the  wiles  in  his  manly  breast, 

And  in  bonds  of  religion  bound  them. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  331 

The  waves  lay  at  rest  on  the  wide-spread  deep, 

lYot  a  breath  o'er  its  calm  was  stealing : 
Oh  thus,  I  have  said,  may  the  passions  sleep, 

That  wonld  mar  but  the  peace  of  a  feeling. 
May  a  storm  never  rise  to  break  the  rest 

Of  the  heart  that  has  hushed  its  wildness, 
And  is  smooth  like   the  sea,  when  calms  have 
impressed 

On  its  bosom  the  picture  of  mildness. 


THE  SUXBEAM  OF  MOEXIXG. 

The  mind  may  be  as  clear  as  the  polar  star,  -while  the  heart  is  as 
cold  as  the  polar  ice. 

The  sunbeam  of  morning  in  beauty  may  sleep 
On  the  smooth  frozen  mirror  that  covers  the  deep; 
"While  the  current  beneath  it  in  darkness  mav  slide, 
And  a  cold  icy  chill  in  its  waters  reside. 
Thus  the  light  of  the  mind  may  be  brilliant  and  clear, 
As  the  sheen  of  the  star  in  the  north  of  the  sphere ; 
"While  a  deep  arctic  shadow  may  darken  the  soul, 
And  the  heart  be  as  cold  as  the  ice  of  the  pole. 

I  looked,  and  the  rising  etherial  beam 
Had  melted  the  mirror  that  covered  the  stream  ; 
And  the  waters  uncovered  rolled  joyfully  by, 
Reflecting  the  fires  they  had  caught  from  the  sky. 


332  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

And  thus  may  the  Day-spring  His  radiance  impart 
To  the  gloom  of  the  mind,  and  the  ice  of  the  heart ; 
And  my  life's  happy  current  all  glowing  shall  run, 
Like  the  river  that  rolls  in  the  smiles  of  the  sun. 


OH  1  HAVE  WEPT. 

Oh  !    I  have  wept,  when  the  true  hearts  I  cherisheu 

Long,  loving,  and  tenderly  fond  as  my  own, 
In  the  hour  of  a  bleak  winter  agony  perished, 

And  left  me  forsaken  to  weep  alone. 
And  when  I  have  sighed,  that  sigh  was  lonely ; 

None  echoed  back  its  plaintive  thrill ; 
Oh  !   then  I  have  thought,  that  death,  and  death  only, 

Could  heal  the  wound  that  was  bleeding  still. 

Oft  have  I  sighed  when  the  heart,  all  forsaken, 

Fled  from  the  dream  of  its  false  repose ; 
And  the  cup  of  the  world,  that  my  fancy  had  taken, 

Foamed  to  the  brim  with  its  bitter  woes. 
Oh  !  then  I  have  said,  the  earth  we  inherit 

Has  charms  that  are  fleeting  and  dim ; 
That  the  heart,  when  alone,  may  look  to  the  Spirit, 

And  draw  its  enjoyments  alone  from  Him. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  333 


WE  MAY  SPOET   IN   THE    WILDNESS  OF 
FEELING  AWHILE. 

"We  may  sport  in  the  wildness  of  feeling  awhile, 

When  the  visions  of  youth  are  before  us, 
And  the  cheek  may  be  flushed  with  a  heart-beaming 
smile, 

When  the  sunshine  of  friendship  is  o'er  us ; 
And  the  orb  of  the  mind  may  brilliantly  roll 

In  the  sky  of  the  fancy,  adorning 
For  a  little  the  shades  that  may  rise  on  the  soul, 

As  it  runs  through  the  freshness  of  morning ; 
Every  feeling  alive  to  rapture  may  waken, 

'Mid  pleasures  enchantingly  twined, 
To  feast  on  the  visions  that  childhood  has  taken, 

And  the  joys  of  a  sensitive  mind. 

But  give  me  the  joys  that  enliven  the  heart, 

That  the  spirit  of  Jesus  has  given  ; 
The  bliss  that  creation  could  never  impart, 

For  it  brings  all  its  sweetness  from  heaven. 
Ah !  youth,  you  may  sport  when  passion  is  light, 

But  the  fondest  enjoyments  you  cherish, 
When  the  Lord  has  but  glanced,  and  the  world 
thrown  a  blight, 

Like  the  night  fallen  dew  drops  will  perish. 
But  give  me,  oh  give  me,  the  bliss  adorning 

My  life  in  the  hour  of  my  tears, 


334  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

And  my  soul  will  rejoice  when  the  sunshine  of  morn- 
ing 
Is  dimmed  in  the  sunset  of  years. 


THE  SEAMAN'S  STAELIGHT. 

Not  a  murmur  was  heard,  for  the  shadowy  wave 

Had  hushed  all  its  playful  commotion ; 
The  evening  was  mild,  and  the  starlights  above 

Lay  sweet  on  the  breast  of  the  ocean  ; 
And  he  looked,  as  the  bright  little  rubies  appeared 

In  the  sky  of  the  beautiful  even, 
And  said  :  "  With  the  eye  of  a  saint  I  can  gaze 

On  the  glories  that  brighten  in  heaven." 

And  the  stars  that  have  sparkled  long  ages  away, 

Repeating  their  ancient  told  story ; 
Oh  they  beamed  down  to-night  on  the  sailor  boy's  eye, 

With  a  sweeter  and  lovelier  glory. 
And  he  glanced  on  the  luminous  path  in  the  skies, 

All  rich  with  the  starlight  of  even, 
"And  such,"  he  exclaimed,  "  is  the  radiant  track, 

That  the  spirit  shall  travel  to  heaven." 

And  long  has  the  sailor  boy  wafted  his  course 
On  the  roughness  of  life's  stormy  ocean  ; 

And  soon  will  the  flame  that  lias  burned  in  his  heart 
Suppress  all  its  tremulous  motion. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  335 

Oh  then  in  the  last  shining  sparkle  of  life, 
Will  he  glance  on  the  beauties  of  even, 

And  gaze  till  he  mounts  to  the  kingdom  of  stars, 
And  shines  in  the  brightness  of  heaven ! 


THY  HEAET  MUST  BLEED. 

Thy  heart  must  bleed ;  for  its  timid  hopes 
That  looked  abroad  are  sleeping ; 

But  a  day  will  dawn,  of  joyful  light, 
For  a  heart  like  thine  that 's  weeping. 


Then  grieve  no  more  ;  for  the  sun  that  shines 
Above  the  cloud  that 's  o'er  thee, 

Will  shed  the  li^-ht  of  its  rosv  hues 
Along  the  path  before  thee. 

Then  weep  no  more  ;  for  the  days  gone  by 

Are  shaded  deep  with  sadness ; 
But  watch  the  beams  of  the  rising  morn 

That  tell  of  peaceful  gladness. 

Thou  hast  seen  the  gems  in  the  azure  sky, 

How  bright  the  star  of  even  ; 
But  thou  shalt  shine  a  more  brilliant  star 

In  the  Saviour's  crown  in  heaven. 


336  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Then  weep  no  more ;  for  the  heart  to-day 
That  drinks  the  cup  of  sorrow, 

May  leave  its  dwelling,  and  flee  away, 
To  dwell  above  to-morrow. 


SHE  LIYES  IX  HEAVEN. 

She  has  gone ;  and  the  mildness  that  shone  on  her 
cheek, 

Has  told  you  the  rapture  that  moved  in  her  breast ; 
And  the  smile  on  her  lip,  were  it  suffered  to  speak, 

"Would  tell  you  the  calm  on  her  spirit  impressed. 
To  the  peace  in  her  bosom,  unsullied  and  pure, 

The  joy  of  the  seraph  was  given ; 
And  I  knew  from  its  sweetness,  unceasing  and  sure, 

'T  was  naught  but  the  gladness  of  heaven. 

She  has  gone ;  and  the  beamings  of  hope  in  her  eye, 

Has  told  you  she  loved  with  the  tenderest  care ; 
And  the  presence  of  God  that  she  felt  in  her  soul, 

Would  tell  you  the  spirit  of  Jesus  was  there. 
To  the  hymn  of  the  Lamb,  that  she  sung  as  her  own, 

The  anthem  of  Moses  was  given ; 
And  I  knew  from  the  melting  and  life-giving  tone, 

'T  was  naught  but  the  music  of  heaven. 

She  has  gone  ;  and  her  walk  in  the  temple  below, 
Has  told  you  the  truth  and  the  power  of  her  love ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  337 

And  her  feet  in  the  courts  of  mount  Zion  would  show, 
That  her  heart  was  engaged  in  the  temple  above. 

The  mercies  of  David,  the  Christian's  reward, 
To  the  faith  of  the  pure  one  was  given  ; 

And  I  knew  from  her  look  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
'T  was  naught  but  the  portals  of  heaven. 

She  has  gone  ;  and  the  beautiful  plant  that  God  sent 

To  the  earth,  has  returned  neither* shaded  or  dim; 
.For  the  Lord  has  appeared  for  the  plant  that  He  lent, 

To  remove  it  forever  still  nearer  to  Him. 
'T  was  green  for  awhile,  as  it  gracefully  reared  ; 

To  bloom  for  a  little  't  was  given  ; 
But  I  knew  when  its  beaut}-  so  lovely  appeared, 

That  it  only  could  flourish  in  heaven ! 


HEIES  OF  HEAYEN. 

Ye  heirs  of  heaven  !  ye  heirs  of  endless  rest ! 

No  more  ye  know  the  anxious  thought,  the  troubled 

breast. 
Tour  cares  and  fears  are  past ;  your  race  is  run  ; 
And  now  ye  roam  in  fields  of  bliss  beyond  the  sun, 
TThile  I  this  day  the  doubtful  issue  wait, 
Of  scenes  momentous  in  my  earthly,  mortal  state. 
Xo  clouds  flit  o'er  your  bright  effulgent  sky ; 
No  wavering  doubts  corroding  in  your  bosom  lie  ; 

15 


338  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

While  I  still  dwell  in  twilight  here  below, 

And  fear  tempestuous  nights,  and  weary  days  of  woe. 

Ye  shining  ones !  were  ye  not  born  above 

Where  all  is  rest,  and  all  is  perfect  love  ? 

Was  ever  earth  your  tiresome,  weary  home  ? 

Did  you,  like  me,  the  thorny  desert  ever  roam  ? 

Were  these  your  aspects,  now  composed  and  sweet, 

E'er  marred  with  care  ?   Did  you  the  bread  of  sorrow 

eat? 
Did  e'er  your  bosoms  heave  unheeded  sighs, 
Or  briny  tears  e'er  flow  from  these  your  sparkling 

eyes  ? 

Yes,  erring  man ;  we  all,  yea  every  one, 

Thro'  tribulations  deep,  and  sorrows  great,  have  come. 

No  dweller  now  on  Canaan's  blissful  shore, 

But  once  has  passed  the  Jordan's  stormy  waters  o'er. 

No  one  can  dwell  with  God's  eternal  Son, 

Till  thro'  your  thorny  world  his  pilgrimage  has  run. 

We  lost  our  sorrows  with  our  mortal  clay, 

And  disembodied,  rose  to  heaven's  unclouded  day. 

Our  happiness  is  firm  as  hills  of  bliss; 

Enjoyment  vast  as  thought,  unbounded  as  our  wish. 

Well,  well,  ye  sons  of  light,  your  joy  is  true ; 
But  still  I  boast  my  happiness  as  well  as  you. 
Yours  is  secure,  now  reigning  on  your  seat ; 
Mine  in  the  promise  is  secure,  tho'  not  complete. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  339 

That  God  who  doth  His  seed  from  Egypt  guide, 

"Will  safe  convey  o'er  Jordan's  rough  tempestuous  tide. 

Ye  once  like  me  did  weep ;  and  filled  with  woe, 

Like  monuments  of  grief,  ye  knew  not  what  to  do. 

Soon  I  like  you  on  hills  of  bliss  will  sing 

The  glories  of  my  Guide,  the  honors  of  my  King. 

E'en  now  by  faith  I  stand  on  heavenly  ground, 

And  walk  with  seraphim  the  heavenly  circles  round. 

By  faith  I  drink  the  nectar  of  that  tide, 

Which  from  the  throne  of  God  in  golden  currents  glide. 

Why  should  I  fear  the  elemental  war, 

The  lightning's  vivid  flash,  the  thunder's  rolling  car  1 

Why  should  I  fear,  tho'  round  my  brows  was  hurled. 

By  ruin  and  convulsion  torn,  a  broken  world? 

Why  should  I  fear  the  shafts  of* Satan's  power, 

Since  Jesus  is  my  strength,  my  everlasting  tower  ? 

Why  fear  e'en  death,  who  only  sets  me  free, 

To  taste  in  heaven  the  joys  of  immortality  ? 


AUTUMN. 

I  looked  when  the  tempests  of  autumn  had  blown, 
And  the  landscape  was  stripped  of  its  mantle  of 
green ; 

The  flowers  were  all   withered,  the   rose  buds  were 
strown, 

Not  a  charm,  nor  a  beauty  of  summer  was  seen. 


340  MISCELLAJSTEOUS   POEMS. 

The  notes  of  the  wild  bird,  that  dropped  from  his 
tongue, 
"Were  plaintive  and  sad  as  they  fell  on  the  ear; 
Oh  it  seemed  as  the  hymn  that  the  wood  robin  sung, 
Was  the  dirge  o'er  the  grave  and  the  wreck  of  the 
year. 

Every  passion  was  sunk  'mid  its  sentinel  fire ; 

Every  lively  emotion  grew  sad  and  serene ; 
And  the  raptures  that  played  'round  the  lap  of  desire, 

"Were  hushed  'mid  the  desolate  gloom  of  the  scene. 
■ 
The  soul  from  its  slumber  of  fancy  was  driven  ; 

'T  was  a  moment  of  agony  bitter  as  death. 
I  thought  of  a  life  to  earth's  gay  pleasures  given, 

That  is  hung  on  a  pulse,  and  is  borne  on  a  breath. 

And  I  thought  of  a  long  day  all  wasted  and  lost, 
In  the  freshness   of  morning,  when   passion   was 
young ; 
When  the  heart  heaved  a   sigh,  o'er  a  wild  feeling 
crossed, 
Was  the  bitterest  emotion  its  tenderness  wrung. 

And  I  felt  that  the  long  night  of  winter  would  chill 
The  fondest  enjoyments  in  which  it  reposed  ; 

And  its  warmest,  its  purest,  its  liveliest  thrill, 

Would  cease  when  the  summer  of  pleasure   had 
closed. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  oil 

And  I  felt  that  the  vision  of  childhood  was  dim, 
And  false  were  the  joys  that  its  revels  impart ; 

And  I  .prayed  to  the  Lord,  that  the  sunshine  of  Him, 
Would  beam  on  the  desolate  waste  of  the  heart. 

Oh  it  seemed  that  the  wreath  that  the  seraphim  wove, 
Would  bloom  when  creation  was  lovely  no  more; 

And  I  felt  that  the  stream  from  the  fountain  above, 
Had  mellowed  the  soul  that  was  barren  before. 

I  looked,  and  the  earth  that  was  mantled  in  gloom, 
Xow  seemed  in  the  beauties  of  Eden  to  roll ; 

And  thus  will  the  virtues  eternally  bloom, 

When  the  Spirit  has  breathed  on  the  desolate  soul. 


THE   STRANGER'S   BURIAL. 

The  tears  that  were  shed  at  his  grave, 
As  the  turf  was  laid  peacefully  o'er  him, 

"Would  tell  you  the  youth  was  beloved. 

But  we  knew  not  how  much  to  deplore  him. 

But  a  few  clays  the  stranger  was  here, 

And  we  seemed  but  a  little  to  mind  him ; 

Oh  we  knew  not  till  taken  away, 

How  near  to  our  hearts  we  had  twined  him. 


34:2  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

We  will  carve  not  a  line  on  his  stone; 

JSfo  laurel  of  ours  shall  en  wreath  it ; 
For  we  know  not  how  much  to  declare 

Of  the  stranger  that 's  sleeping  beneath  it. 

But  the  virtues  that  mellowed  his  heart, 
And  rich  in  his  bosom  were  swelling, 

Will  rest  in  the  grave  where  he  sleeps, 
And  hallow  the  place  of  his  dwelling. 


THE  PLUCKED  KOSE. 

Say,  ye  wise,  will  a  roseat  hue 

E'er  flush  the  rose  when  its  branch  is  strown  \ 
Say,  will  the  heart  e'er  its  joys  renew, 

When  its  fondest  friend  is  forever  flown  ? 
►Tell,  oh  never,  of  tints  adorning 

The  leaves  of  the  rose  when  plucked  from  its  stay. 
Tell  me,  oh  never,  that  a  joyful  morning, 

Will  rise  on  the  soul  when  its  friend  's  away. 
"No,  the  bud  from  its  tender  stem 

Will  .wither  away,  and  its  leaves  decline. 
Yes,  and  the  heart  like  the  rosy  gem 

Will  droop  in  sorrow,  and  in  tears  repine. 
Oh  the  deep  fount  of  joy  will  perish ; 

The  bosom  forsaken  no  pleasures  can  own  ; 
The  soul  bereft,  oh  never  can  cherish 

Love's  joys  in  the  heart  that  is  weeping  alone. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  343 

Tell,  oh  never,  that  a  friendly  gleam 

Will  tinge  the  flower  that  is  rudely  pressed. 
Tell  me,  oh  never,  that  a  light  will  beam 

From  the  fading  tints  of  its  lonely  breast. 
Oh,  no ;  nor  again  will  the  heart  awaken 

Its  fondest  hopes,  its  exquisite  thrill. 
Never,  oh  never,  will  the  soul  forsaken 

Renew  the  warmth  of  its  rapture  still. 
Faded  and  dim  is  the  sweetest  flower 

That  ever  bloomed  in  the  morning  ray ; 
Oh  thus  will  I  droop,  in  the  evil  hour, 

When  the  friend  of  my  life  is  torn  away. 
When  back,  when  back  to  the  brilliant  Spirit, 

The  heart  that  we  loved  forever  has  flown ; 
Oh  !   who  would  live,  and  longer  inherit 

This  cold,  and  this  fleeting  world  alone. 


EAELY  DISAPPOINTMENTS. 

Thou  timid  one  !     Has  thy  maiden  look 

E'er  dwelt,  with  a  hope  of  anxious  fear, 
On  a  friend  that  was  cold  as  the  winter  brook, 

That  chilled  thy  young  feelings,  so  true  and  sincere  ? 
Has  love  lit  his  torch  'mid  hopes  that  shed 

But  a  gleam  of  light  from  fading  Ares, 
To  allure  the  heart  to  deception  dead, 

And  waste  the  soul  when  the  flame  expires  ? 


344  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Then  rest  in  this  bosom  that  now  is  lonely ; 

The  feelings  that  wound  thee  onee  were  mine ; 
Come  rest  in  this  timid  heart  that  only 

Can  feel  the  woes  that  are  breaking  thine. 

Forsaken  one !     Have  thy  fond  friends  flown, 

When  youth's  joyful  morn  was  clouded  o'er; 
When  hope  never  sparkled,  nor  sunbeam  shone, 

On  thy  heart  that  was  smitten,  and  touched  to  its 
core  ? 
And  then  was  the  rosy  wreath  you  twined 

In  a  brighter  hour  all  dimmed  away, 
Not  a  soul  to  soothe,  not  a  hand  to  bind 

The  wounded  part  that  ran  to  decay  ? 
Then  rest  in  this  bosom,  forsaken  one, 

That  feels  for  a  heart  like  thine  forlorn ; 
My  young  friends  all  withered  like  flowers  in  the  sun, 

When  bruised  was  my  spirit  in  youth's  early  morn. 

Desponding  one !     When  thy  heart  beat  high 

With  joys  that  enlivened  thy  early  day; 
Did  hope,  like  the  star  in  the  evening  sky. 

Shine  bright  for  a  little,  then  fade  away  ? 
And  still  did  she  seem  in  thy  morning  years, 

A  light  to  thy  path,  and  a  lamp  to  thy  feet, 
Till  she  bathed  the  eye  in  a  flood  of  tears, 

And  poisoned  the  sparkling  cup  tk»t  was  sweet  ? 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.  345 


Then  rest  in  this  bosom,  desponding  one ; 

This  heart  beat  high — like  thine  believed, 
And  followed  the  li^rlit  of  a  false-guiding  sun, 

Till  feeling  was  lost  and  hope  deceived. 


JESSE,  THE  FLOWER  OF  DUXBLAXE. 

Oh  fair  was  the  vision  that  opened  before  thee, 

And  sweet  was  the  sunbeam  that  rose  on  thy  youth ; 
And  clear  was  the  star  that  moved  brilliantly  o'er  thee, 

To  guide  thee  along  in  the  pathway  of  truth. 
Oh  warm  was  the  rapture,  and  pure  the  emotion, 

Which  fondness  and  friendship  then  breathed  to  thy 
name ; 
To  thine,  happy  Jesse,  was  raised  the  devotion, 

Oh  fortunate  Jesse,  the  flower  of  Dunblane. 

The  scene  is  all  past.     The  fair  vision  is  faded. 

The  star  and  the  sunbeam  enlighten  no  more. 
Too  soon,  lovely  Jesse,  thy  young  days  are  shaded ; 

Too  soon  thy  delights  and  thy  frieudships  are  o'er. 
The  grave  holds  thy  Sindred  once  fast  bound  around 
thee ; 

Thy  friends  and  thy  fond  ones  no  longer  remain. 
Unguarded  and  lonely,  affliction  has  found  thee, 

Unfortunate  Jesse,  the  flower  of  Dunblane. 

15* 


34:6  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Dunblane,  shall  thy  blossom,  dejected  and  lonely, 

Oppressed  by  the  rain,  and  night-fallen  dew ; 
Dunblane,  shall  it  shed  all  its  fragrancy  only, 

To  sweeten  the  spot  where  its  infancy  grew  ? 
Oh,  no ;  I  '11  not  leave  thee,  thou  delicate  blossom, 

To  pine  all  alone  in  the  cold  and  the  rain ; 
Then  come  to  my  bower,  my  home,  and  my  bosom, 

My  lovely  young  Jesse,  the  flower  of  Dunblane. 

o 

TO  AN  ABSENT  FKIEND. 

It  is  not  that  I've  lost  assurance 
That  thy  love  I  may  not  gain ; 

But  oh  it  is  the  long  endurance 
Of  thy  absence  gives  me  pain. 

In  thinking,  hoping,  there  is  pleasure, 
Which  from  my  bosom  may  not  part ; 

But  love  demands  a  dearer  treasure, 
'Tis  thy  person  near  the  heart. 

When  feelings  blend,  experience  only 
Knows  the  pain  that  absence  brings; 

When  distant,  my  sad  Jieart  is  lonely ; 
When  near,  my  happy  spirit  sings. 

Then  come  with  all  thy  soul  revealing 
Love  that  meets  a  warm  return ; 

Then  side  by  side  shall  rapturous  feeling 
In  united  bosoms  burn. 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.  347 


A  PAEODY  ON  MOOKE'S  MEETING  OF  THE 
WATERS. 

There  is  not  in  this  wide  world  a  circle  so  sweet, 
As  the  place  where  the  free  social  company  meet. 
Oh  the  last  sense  of  honor  aud  truth  shall  depart, 
Ere  the  friends  of  that  circle  shall  fade  from  my  heart. 

Yet  it  was  not  that  music  enlivened  the  hour, 
With  its  sweetness  of  cadence  and  wildness  of -power ; 
'T  was  not  the  soft  voice  of  the  mild  singing  fair  ; 
Oh,  no;  there  was  something  more  exquisite  there. 

'T  was  the  friendship,  and  feeling,  and  union,  that  run 
Through  the  hearts  that  were  mutually  blended  in  one ; 
And  which  show  how  the  joys  of  affection  appear, 
When  they  flow  from  the  warmth  of  the  heart  that's 
sincere. 

Sweet  circle  of  friendship  !  How  calm  could  I  rest 
On  thy  honor  refined,  with  the  friends  I  love  best ; 
Where  the  coldness  we  meet  in  this  false  world  shall 

cease, 
And  our  hearts  and  our  interests  be  blended  in  peace. 


A  CANZONET. 


Saw,  ye  girls,  the  eastern  sky, 

When  dawning  beams  had  fringed  it? 


348  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Or  saw  ye  e'er  the  opening  rose, 
When  morning  light  had  tinged  it? 

The  day  has  dawned ;  the  cloud  has  passed, 
Which  morn  so  richly  varnished. 

The  storm  has  come ;  the  rose  is  touched, 
And  all  its  bloom  is  tarnished. 

Saw  ye  this  ?     And  such  the  cheek 
That  beauty's  self  has  shaded : 

It  blooms  awhile;  the  storm  has  come; 
And  all  its  hues  are  faded. 


FALSE  APPEARANCES. 

Even  in  laughter  the  heart  may  be  sorrowful. 

The  mansion  appeared, 
-As  it  gracefully  reared, 

To  whisper :    enjoyment  is  here. 
But  the  weeping  within, 
'T  was  the  offspring  of  sin, 

Spake  louder :    affliction  is  near. 

Thus  laughter  may  grace 

The  beautiful  face, 
And  the  cheek  may  be  rosy  awhile; 

But  deep  from  the  heart, 

The  long  sigh  may  start, 
To  show  't  was  a  counterfeit  smile. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  349 

And  the  mansion's  decay, 

As  it  mouldered  away, 
Has  told  you  the  ruins  of  art; 

And  the  smile  on  the  cheek, 

Were  it  suffered  to  speak, 
"Would  tell  you  the  wreck  of  the  heart. 


BEAMING  AND  BKIGHT. 

Beaming  and  bright  lay  the  calm  world  before  me, 

Its  gay  blooming  prospects  in  brilliancy  shone ; 
And  the  wild  scenes  of  youth  smiled  enchantingly 
o'er  me, 
And  the  pleasures  in  prospect  were  viewed  as  my 
own. 
The  fancy  ran  sportive  in  morning  wiles  yet ; 

All  sparkling  with  light  was  the  dress  that  arrayed 
it; 
And  warm  on  the  heart  every  phantom  was  set, 

As  the  fond  ardent  wish  had  surveyed  it. 
And  I  thought  that  each  joy,  like  the  covenant  bow, 
Was  just  on  the  hill  where  the  Spirit  had  placed  it; 
Every  pleasure,  tho'  far,  like  the  beautiful  star, 
Seemed  just  in  the  grasp,  and  I  might  have  em- 
braced it. 

Changed  is  the  picture.     The  world  is  illusion. 
The  scenes  once  exciting  all  fail  with  the  breath ; 


350  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

And  the  prospects  they  shadowed  forth,  warm  and 
Elysian, 
Are  doomed  to  be  touched  by  the  cold  hand  of 
death. 
Earth's  promise :  it  smiled  like  the  rich  morning  glow ; 
And  I  thought  to  my  heart  in  a  breath  I  cou1 
press  it. 
Ah,  little  I  dreamed  that  each  joy,  like  the  bow, 

"Was  set  in  the  cloud,  and  I  ne'er  could  possess  it. 
And  the  fond  hope  of  youth ;    it  was  warm  in  the 
soul, 
And  I  thought  that  no  changes  in  life  could  destroy 
it; 
Ah,  little  I  dreamed,  that  its  starlight  that  beamed, 
Was  set  in  the  sky,  and  I  ne'er  could  enjoy  it. 

Fading  and  false  is  the  vain  world  around  me  ; 

No  sweet  peace  of  mind  can  its  pleasures  afford. 
Dejected  and  fainting  a  soft  voice  has  found  me  ; 

It  thrills  thro'  my  soul ;  't  is  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 
My  heart  hears  its  pleadings:    "The  things  that  are 
seen 

Are  passing  away  like  the  dew  drops  of  morning ; 
But  oh  there  are  hopes  of  enjoyment,  whose  sheen 

Will  grow  brighter  and  brighter,  like  beams  of  the 
dawning. 
They  are  not  in  the  distance  like  stars  in  the  skies, 

Or  the  rainbow  that  kisses  the  sides  of  the  mountain ; 
They  are  near  to  thy  heart,  in  the  words  that  impart 

Contentment  and  peace  from  the  life-giving  foun- 
tain." 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  351 

DEATH  IN  KOSY  MAY. 

Oh  to  die  when  flowers  are  blooming. 

And  can  I  die  serene  and  calm, 

When  renovating  May 
Extends  o'er  all  that  live  and  feel 

Her  spirit-stirring  sway? 

My  garden  walks  are  pleasant  now ; 

The  flowers  are  all  in  bloom ; 
And  fragrant  plants,  renewed  in  life, 

Are  wafting  sweet  perfume. 

The  merry  birds  have  made  their  nests 

On  every  hedge  and  tree; 
And  all  the  air  is  filled  with  songs 

Of  cheerful  melody. 

The  lambs  are  bounding  on  the  green, 

The  herds  in  pastures  feed ; 
The  toiling  swains  have  ploughed  their  fields, 

And  sowed  their  precious  seed. 

Oh  'tis  life's  renovating  hour. 

All  nature,  now  unbound, 
Puts  on  her  rosy  robes  of  joy, 

And  glory  smiles  around. 


352  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

But  sweeter  scenes  are  mine,  to  stir 
With  purer  joys  the  breast ; 

And  bind  the  heart  in  opening  spring 
To  earth's  enchanting  rest. 

Around  my  door  my  little  ones 
Are  bounding  glad  and  free; 

Their  laughing  eyes  and  merry  sounds 
Are  full  of  ecstacy. 

And  she,  who  crowns  my  heart  with  love, 
And  wreathes  my  home  with  flowers, 

Is  moving  round  with  angel  smiles 
In  these  delightful  hours. 

And  can  I  die  serene  and  calm, 

When  renovating  May 
Extends  o'er  all  that  live  and  feel 

Her  spirit  stirring  sway? 

Oh  't  is  the  happy  time  for  hope, 

Her  beaming  eye  to  rest 
On  rich  celestial  scenery, 

The  portion  of  the  blessed 

Oh  'tis  the  happy  hour  for  faith, 

Her  eagle  wings  to  plume, 
And  see  the  Spirit  come  with  power, 

And  animate  the  tomb ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  353 

And  gaze  on  opening  buds  of  life, 

From  bondage  rendered  free, 
Awoke,  bv  heavenly  spring,  to  bloom 

In  immortality. 

And  oh  !  my  spirit,  now  when  God 
To  earth  her  charrns  has  given, 

Expand  thy  powers  of  life  and  joy 
In  ever  blooming  heaven. 

And  I  will  die  serene  and  calm, 

In  cheerful,  rosy  May, 
And  live,  renewed  in  life  and  health, 

In  heaven's  immortal  day! 


LOVED  OXES  IX  HEAYEX. 

Oh !  where  should  loved  ones  be, 
The  beautiful  and  bright ; 

Where,  but,  O  God,  with  Thee, 
God  of  the  world  of  light? 

My  sweet  and  blooming  boy, 
"Who  nestled  on  my  breast, 

And  filled  my  heart  with  joy, 
As  he  took  his  balmy  rest ; 


354:  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Oil !  where  should  Edward  be, 

My  rosy  cherub  boy, 
Where  but,  O  God,  with  Thee, 

God  of  the  world  of  joy? 

The  mother's  heart  of  love, 
The  heart  all  love  excelling, 

Yields  thee,  my  child,  to  dwell  above, 
In  God's  eternal  dwelling. 


CHILDKEET  GOING  HOME. 

Kemarkable  death  of  two  boys,  sons  of  one  of  the  secre- 
taries of  the  American  Bible  Society.  Jimmie  was  eight, 
and  Charlie  five  years  old.  They  were  intelligent,  manly, 
and  beautiful  boys.  They  were  brought  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  and  early  manifested  signs  of 
piety.  They  were  taken  sick  at  the  same  time,  lay  in  the 
same  room,  and  often  in  the  same  bed.  They  suffered  with 
great  patience  for  five  weeks,  and  died  on  the  same  evening. 
They  were  lovely  and  united  in  their  lives,  and  in  their 
deaths  were  not  divided.  They  lie  side  by  side  in  the  same 
grave,  and  are  now  united  in  glory. 

The  facts  recorded  in  the  poem  are  of  the  most  affecting 
character. 

I  saw  the  brothers  at  their  play, 
Two  bright-eyed  blooming  boys; 

Their  youthful  limbs  were  full  of  life, 
Their  hearts  were  full  of  joys. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  355 

I  saw  them  in  the  Sabbath  school, 
And  watched  their  eager  looks, 

As  lovingly  and  ardently 

They  gazed  upon  their  books. 

Their  sacred  carols  floated  sweet 

Upon  the  morning  air, 
And  reverently  they  bowed  the  knee 

At  time  of  evening  prayer. 

These  rosy  boys  were  taught  to  know, 

And  prize  the  Saviour's  love; 
And  in  the  morning  of  their  days 

Began  to  live  above. 


-»* 


Again  I  saw  these  brothers  dear ; 

The  bloom  of  health  had  fled  ; 
In  pain  they  languished,  side  by  side, 

Upon  their  weary  bed. 

From  week  to  week  their  pains  increased ; 

The  time  was  hard  and  long; 
And  yet  they  charmed  their  griefs  away 

With  cheerful  smiles  and  song. 

They  talked  of  death,  serene  and  calm; 

They  mingled  praise  with  prayer; 
And  said  :  "That  they  would  go  to  heaven, 

If  God  should  want  them  there." 


356  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  Pilgrim's  Progress,  page  by  page, 

To  tli em  the  mother  read ; 
Her  soothing  tones,  and  pious  words, 

In  sickness  made  their  bed. 

She  read  how  Christian  passed  the  flood 

With  Hopeful  by  his  side, 
And  how  the  heavenly  city's  gates 

To  him  were  open  wide. 

The  hour  has  come,  the  painful  hour, 
These  children  dear  must  die; 

The  hand  of  death  is  on  their  frames, 
But  angel  guards  are  nigh. 

The  dying  Charlie  calmly  said : 
"  Jimmie  I  'd  see  once  more." 

They  laid  the  brothers  side  by  side, 
And  all  death's  pains  were  o'er. 

Around  their  necks  they  twined  their  arms 
As  though  they  ne'er  could  part; 

They  talked,  and  kissed,  and  sweetly  smiled, 
While  heart  was  pressed  to  heart. 

Oh !  close  the  door.    Let  none  intrude. 

Eo  stranger  here  can  stand. 
The  strength  of  God  alone  can  hold 

The  weepers  in  His  hand ! 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.  357 

Again  they  laid  the  dear  loved  child, 

"Where  he  was  wont  to  lie ; 
The  mother's  hand  the  pillow  smoothed, 

Where  he  was  now  to  die. 

He  took  the  cup  from  each  one's  hand, 
And  drank,  and  looked,  and  smiled. 

"  Kow,  dear  papa,  I  '11  go  to  sleep," 
"Whispered  that  heavenly  child. 

Peaceful  and  calm  he  closed  his  eyes ; 

'T  was  just  the  hour  of  even ; 
He  looked  like  innocence  asleep; 

But  Charlie  woke  in  heaven ! 

And  Jimmie,  dying,  calmly  heard* 

The  softly  whispered  word, 
That  Charlie's  soul  had  passed  away, 

And  now  was  with  the  Lord. 

"  I  thought  we  both  would  pass  the  flood, 
Joined  hand  in  hand,"  he  said : 

"And  1,  like  Hopeful,  would  uphold 
My  little  brother's  head. 

A  few  short  hours  he  's  gone  before, 

Just  at  the  close  of  even, 
And  he  will  meet  me  on  the  shore, 

And  kiss  me  into  heaven." 


358  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Again  I  saw  these  brothers  dear, 
In  white  robes  neatly  dressed ; 

The  calm  of  heaven  was  on  their  brows, 
So  peaceful  was  their  rest. 

JSTow  side  by  side,  in  sweet  repose, 
They  sleep  where  Jesus  lay, 

And  rise  with  Him,  and  live  with  God 
In  heaven's  eternal  day. 


LINES  TO  MY  DAUGHTER 

Earth's  vision  has  opened  before  thee ; 

Its  prospects  enchantingly  shine, 
And  the  spring  time  of  girlhood  is  o'er  thee ; 

Its  joys  and  its  sorrows  are  thine. 
New  hopes  and  new  fears  are  entwined 

Round  thy  spirit,  my  child,  and  impart 
A  charm  to  thy  sensitive  mind, 

Or  a  pang  to  thy  delicate  heart; 
And  the  warm  wish  of  youth  is  awake, 

The  cup  of  enjoyment  to  win ; 
And  life's  early  promises  break 

On  the  gayness  that  flutters  within. 

Let  them  pass — le*  them  pass;  for  they  borrow 
The  light  that  seems  cheerful  and  gay; 

And  the  heart  may  be  sleeping  to-morrow, 
That  enjo}Ts  them  so  fondly  to  day. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  359 

Let  them  pass — let  them  pass ;  for  they  only 

Can  sweeten  a  moment  and  flee ; 
And  sad,  and  dejected,  and  lonely, 

Thy  evening  retirement  shall  be. 
Oh  the  heart  may  be  lively  and  gay, 

And  its  hopes  may  be  brilliant  as  yet ; 
Let  them  pass ;  for  the  heart  will  decay, 

And  the  hopes  of  enjoyment  will  set. 

Give  me  back,  says  the  aged  and  wise, 

The  feelings  I  once  did  inherit  3 
Oh  they  '11  twine  round  the  hope  in  the  skies, 

And  glow  with  the  joy  of  the  Spirit. 
Remember,  the  sunbeam  that  plays 

Round  thy  girlhood  so  lovely  and  sweet, 
Will  never  rekindle  its  blaze 

In  the  home  of  thy  evening  retreat; 
But  the  sunbeam  that  comes  from  above, 

"Will  brighten  for  ever  and  ever; 
And  shine  in  thy  bosom,  my  love, 

As  pure  and  as  holy  as  ever. 


THE  ROSE.  # 


The  Rose  will  give  a  sweet  perfume, 
When  severed  from  the  fostering  stem  ; 

Removed  from  sunshine  and  from  dews, 
Still  fragrant  breathes  the  flowery  gem. 


360  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

The  Kose  lias  lost  its  blushing  hues ; 

Its  beauty  and  its  grace  have  fled ; 
And  still  its  fragrancy  remains, 

When  bud,  and  leaf,  and  branch  are  dead. 

And  such  is  love — undying  grace: 

Sunshine  and  storm — life's  joy  and  sigh, 

May  warm  the  soul — may  chill  the  heart, 
Love's  fragrancy  can  never  die. 


MY  KIND  FKIEKD. 

Oh  gentle  and  mild  was  the  look  of  my  friend  ; 

A  lovelier  scarce  could  a  female  impart. 
A  sister  could  never  more  kindness  extend, 

Than  flowed  from  the  warmth  and  the  truth  of 
her  heart. 

And  friendship,  adorned  with  so  gentle  a  grace, 
So  kind  and  attentive,  so  true  and  sincere, 

Shall  I  ever  forget,  or  shall  distance  erase 
From  my  b<5som  a  virtue  so  tenderly  dear  ? 

Oh,  no  :  't  is  a  feeling  the  brightest,  the  clearest, 
That  'round  my  warm  spirit  was  ever  entwined  ; 

And  long  shall  it  flourish,  the  purest,  and  dearest, 
That  ever  was  felt  by  a  sensitive  mind. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  361 

And  long  as  my  bosom  shall  heave  a  commotion, 
The  look  of  my  true  friend  shall  never  depart ; 

And  oft  will  I  think,  with  the  purest  emotion, 
On  virtues  that  graced  her,  and  hallowed  her  heart 


MABY  IX  TEARS. 

Come,  gentle  glance  ;  come,  modest  blush  ; 

And  look  of  social  gladness: 
Oh  come,  and  decorate  with  smiles 

My  Mary's  brow  of  sadness. 
Let  sunshine  grace  my  Mary's  face ; 

Let  joy  be  her  adorning ; 
Those  cherub  cheeks  should  ever  wear 

The  rosy  bloom  of  morning. 

And  why  is  thy  kind  spirit  grieved  ? 

And  why  in  sorrow  languish  ? 
Those  secret  thoughts,  untold,  will  swell 

The  hidden  fires  of  anguish. 
Oh  drive  afar  the  gloomy  fears, 

Now  o'er  thy  bosom  stealing; 
And  let  the  beams  of  hope  illume 

Thy  heart  with  cheerful  feeling. 

Oh  were  it  mine  to  know  the  woe 

That  wrings  thy  bosom,  bleeding ; 

Oh  were  it  mine  to  know  the  grief 

That 's  on  thy  beauties  feeding ; 
16 


362  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

I  'd  banish,  maiden,  from  thy  breast 
Those  gloomy  thoughts  of  sadness, 

And  thy  fair  face  again  should  wear 
The  smiles  of  social  gladness. 

Come,  cheer  thy  breast,  thou  bonny  flower ; 

The  light  of  peace  is  gleaming. 
Come,  cheer  thy  heart,  thou  lovely  gem; 

The  star  of  hope  is  beaming. 
Let  storms  arise,  and  winter  rage, 

And  tempests  o'er  thee  hover; 
A  friend  is  near,  thy  head  to  shield; 

A  true  and  faithful  lover.  . 


THE  KAINBOW. 

'T  is  an  emblem  of  promise 

That  never  shall  fade, 
While  a  sunbeam  shall  deepen 

The  tints  of  its  shade. 
Set  arched  in  the  heavens, 

No  wide-spreading  main, 
Shall  o'erwhelm  with  a  deluge 

The  nations  again. 

When  the  dark  rolling  tempest 
Has  passed  to  the  east, 

And  the  sun  in  his  glory 
Breaks  out  in  the  west ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  363 

As  bright  as  his  splendor, 

And  fair  as  his  form, 
Is  reflected  in  blushes 

The  bow  of  the  storm. 

And  thus  when  afflictions 

In  darkness  shall  roll, 
And  the  long  night  of  sorrow 

Shall  weary  my  soul, 
May  hope  shine  in  splendor, 

A  radiant  form, 
Like  the  bow  that 's  reflected 

In  peace  from  the  storm. 

And  when  tempests  are  ended, 

My  spirit  shall  rise 
Through  this  archway  of  promise 

To  scenes  in  the  skies ; 
Where,  crowned  with  the  Saviour, 

In  radiance  divine, 
The  bow  of  the  covenant 

In  glory  shall  shine. 


THE  TVTSGS  OF  TIME. 

How  slow  the  wings  of  time  are  bending 
When  we  pass  through  vales  of  tears ; 


■?' 


364  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

The  days  of  pain  seem  never  ending ; 

Days  are  lengthened  into  years. 
The  heart  that  trobs  with  grief  will  prove, 
How  wearily  time's  pinions  move. 

The  wings  of  time  have  eagle  fleetness, 
When  we  walk  through  fields  of  flowers ; 

Elysian  groves  have  so  much  sweetness, 
Years  of  joy  are  changed  to  hours. 

The  heart  that 's  bathed  in  bliss  divine, 

Marks  not  the  measurements  of  time. 

The  days  of  pleasure,  days  of  weeping, 
Moving  fast,  or  slow,  will  end ; 

In  dust  the  mortal  will  be  sleeping, 
And  the  spirit  will  ascend 

On  high,  where  perfect  rest  is  given, 

And  time  will  have  no  wings  in  heaven. 


MEMOKY. 

In  memory's  book  no  scenes  are  set 

In  deeper,  bolder  lines, 
Than  scenes  of  joy,  through  which  we  pass, 

In  morning's  early  times. 

The  page  still  holds  the  scenes  the  same, 
Most  beautiful  and  fair: 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  365 

The  lines  as  deep,  the  shades  as  true, 
As  when  first  written  there. 

In  age  I  open  memory's  book, 

And  read  its  pages  o'er, 
And  find  the  leaves  that  first  were  filled, 

As  fresh  as  heretofore. 

The  house,  the  school,  the  fields,  the  groves, 

The  romping  girls  and  boys 
Are  still  the  same.     I  read  and  live 

Anew  my  early  joys. 

Full  fifty  years  have  rolled  away 

Since  I  began  to  roam : 
I  seek  again  my  native  place— 

My  childhood's  pleasant  home. 

O'er  all  the  long  loved  days  of  youth 

I  cast  my  eager  look, 
And  not  a  scene  of  joy  appears 

As  traced  in  memory's  book.        ^ 

Then  visit  not  thy  native  home, 

Thy  early  joys  to  find; 
The  scenes  of  youth  are  only  found 

Engraven  on  the  mind. 


366  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


THE  SAILOK  COMING  HOME. 

And  do  they  say  the  child  has  come, 
My  Jimmie  from  the  sea? 

They  say  he  's  running  up  the  lane, 
Fast  running  home  to  me. 

Oh,  Jennie,  stir  about  the  house, 
And  set  the  things  aright; 

I  'm  so  bewildered  by  the  news, 
I  can't  believe  my  sight. 

But  there  he  comes ;  indeed  its  true ; 

It  is  my  darling  boy. 
Throw  wide  the  door,  and  set  the  chair, 

I'm  overcome  with  joy. 

Call  in  the  children  from  their  work ; 

Give  them  a  day  of  grace ; 
Oh  that  my  good  man  was  here, 

To  look  in  Jimmie's   face. 

And  has  he  come  within  the  gate, 

And  is  he  at  the  door? 
Oh !  I  had  never  thought  to  see 

My  long  lost  Jimmie  more. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  367 

I  cannot  speak ;  I  cannot  weep ; 

I  know  not  what  to  do. 
Oh  call  him  in  to  speak  to  me ; 

It  may  not  yet  be  true. 

And  yet  they  say  the  child  has  come — 

My  Jimniie  from  the  sea; 
They  say  he  's  running  up  the  lane, 

Fast  running  home  to  me. 

And  Jimmie's  in  his  mothers  arms, 

And  lips  to  lips  are  pressed ; 
Oh !  who  can  tell  the  mother's  joy, 

"With  Jimmie  on  her  breasU 


THE  OAKLAXD  FEMALE  SEMIXAET. 

Lines  suggested  on  seeing  the  young  ladies  of  the  Oakland 
Female  Seminary,  Norristown,  Pennsylvania,  walking  in 
procession  to  Church  on  Thanksgiving  day. 

I  saw  them  as  they  passed  along, 
A  sister-loving,  youthful  throng, 
To  meet  in  Zioms  courts,  and  pay 
Pure  offerings  on  Thanksgiving  day. 

The  hill  of  science  is  the  home 

"Where  they  reside,  from  whence  they  come 


368  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

To  stand  on  Zion's  hill,  and  raise 
Their  hearts  to  God  in  cheerful  praise. 

How  beautiful,  as  science  sheds 
Her  beams  of  light  on  youthful  heads, 
That  cultured  minds  should  own  the  Hand 
That  scatters  blessings  o'er  the  land. 

Father  of  lights !  Those  souls  are  Thine. 
Their  powers  to  learn,  their  powers  to  shine, 
Are  all  Thy  own ;  and  they  should  be 
Forever  given,  O  Lord,  to  Thee. 

Brilliant  in  mind,  renewed  by  grace, 
And  running  well  the  Christian  race, 
This  band  of  youth,  at  close  of  even, 
Will  shine  the  polished  gems  of  heaveu. 

Happy  our  land,  when  grace  imparts 
Her  beauties  to  enlightened  hearts ; 
And  all  our  seats  of  learning  pay 
Pure  offerings  on  Thanksgiving  day  ! 


THE  CLOSING  TEAE. 

A   SABBATH    SCHOOL   HYMN   FOR   NEW   YEAR'S. 

Kind  Guardian  of  our  youthful  days, 
Thy  little  band  of  scholars  raise 
Again  to  Thee,  from  hearts  sincere, 
Their  grateful  songs  to  crown  the  year. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  369 

'Mid  flowers  of  spring  we  saw  Thee  move, 
And  scatter  round  Thy  gifts  of  love  ; 
And  we  would  be  young  flowers  of  spring, 
And  to  Thy  altar  fragrance  bring. 

In  summer's  heat,  and  light,  and  rain, 
We  saw  Thee  rear  the  precious  grain ; 
And  we  would  be  Thy  fields,  well  sown, 
And  all  Thy  gracious  influence  own. 

Th'  autumnal  days  Thy  presence  greet, 
And  lay  rich  harvests  at  Thy  feet. 
Oh  may  we  live,  and  grow  apace, 
And  yield  to  Thee  ripe  fruits  of  grace ! 

And  now  the  winter  months  bear  rule, 
And  we  Thy  happy  Sabbath  school, 
Unite  our  hearts  and  sing  Thy  praise, 
Kind  Guardian  of  our  youthful  days. 

O  gentle  Shepherd !  God  of  love ! 
May  we  Thy  blessings  ever  prove; 
And  we  will  be  in  youth  and  even, 
Thy  lambs  on  earth — Thy  flock  in  heaven ! 


16* 


370  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


SUNSHINE  AND  HOPE. 

One  is  much  less  sensible  of  cold  on  a  bright  day  than  on  a  cloudy 
one :  thus  the  sunshine  of  hope  will  lighten  every  trouble. 

When  the  winter  day  is  cold, 
And  the  sun  is  shining  bright, 

I  do  not  feel  the  cold, 
In  the  light — in  the  light. 

When  the  winter  day  is  cold, 
And  the  sunbeams  all  do  fade, 

Oh  then  I  feel  the  cold, 
In  the  shade — in  the  shade. 

When  afflictions  press  my  heart, 
And  the  beams  of  hope  do  fade 

Oh  then  I  feel  the  smart, 
In  the  sliade — in  the  shade. 

So  I  love  the  joyful  light 
In  the  cold  and  winter  day ; 

And  the  hope  that  shines  so  bright 
That  it  charms  my  griefs  away. 


GOD. 

[Written  for  the  first  page  of  a  Lady's  Album  ] 

The  name  of  God  is  first  in  creation,  first  in  providence, 
and  first  in  redemption.     The  name  of  God  should  be  first 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  371 

in  the  heart,  first  in  the  life,  and  first  in  every  undertaking. 
Duty  and  gratitude  require  that  a  book  devoted  to  friend- 
ship, virtue,  truth,  and  love,  should  have  the  name  of  God 
written  on  the  first  page,  that  the  writers,  beholding  the 
name  of  the  Author  of  all  good  principles  and  affections, 
might  be  influenced  to  express  on  every  leaf  such  sentiments 
as  will  meet  the  divine  approbation,  and  secure  the  divine 
blessing.  That  God  may  impress  His  name  and  His  graces 
on  your  heart,  and  the  hearts  of  your  friends,  whose  lines 
may  be  written  in  this  book  as  tokens  of  affection,  is  my 
sincere  desire.  May  you  long  enjoy  a  peaceful  and  useful 
life,  and  in  after  years  look  with  pleasure  upon  these  memo- 
rials of  youthful  friendships. 

When  on  this  gilded,  open  book, 
Yon  cast  your  first,  your  eager  look, 
On  God's  great  name  your  eye  will  rest — 
The  name  above  all  names  the  best. 
Tour  heart 's  a  book,  and  ever  nigh  : 
"When  on  its  leaves  you  cast  your  eye, 
First  on  the  page  may  you  behold 
The  name  of  God  enstamped  in  gold ; 
And  on  your  spirit  may  it  shine, 
As  clear  as  on  this  book  of  thine. 

The  hands  of  friends  these  leaves  will  trace. 
"With  lines  of  beauty,  lines  of  grace  ; 
And  when  thy  eye  shall  gazing  look 
On  gems  that  sparkle  in  this  book, 


372  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Each  written  page  will  ever  prove 
The  worth  of  friendship,  truth,  and  love. 
So  on  that  book,  the  human  heart, 
May  friendly  powers  each  grace  impart ; 
And  when  thy  inward  eye  shall  run 
O'er  every  leaflet,  one  by  one, 
May  Heaven's  own  writings,  pure,  divine, 
On  all  thy  soul  in  beauty  shine. 


FKIENDSHIP,  HOPE,  AND  LOYE. 

[For  a  Lady's  Album. "| 

Hand  joined  in  hand,  in  weal  or  woe, 
Is  friendship's  sign.     Oh  !  who  would  go 
Through  this  vain  world,  this  wTeary  land, 
Without  a  friend  joined  hand  in  hand. 

The  anchor  holds  the  ship  at  rest, 
When  tempests  heave  the  ocean's  breast ; 
And  hope  the  soul's  sure  strength  will  be, 
When  sailing  o'er  life's  stormy  sea. 

Two  hearts,  en  wreathed  with  flowers,  express 
The  sweetest  sign  of  happiness. 
Love's  purest  bliss,  no  heart  can  own 
In  this  cold  world,  that  beats  alone. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  373 

May  you,  fair  lady,  ever  stand 
'Near  some  true  friend  joined  hand  in  hand, 
While  hope  her  cheering  rajs  imparts 
To  two  united,  loving  hearts. 


MAKY. 

I  saw  her  in  the  student's  hall ; 

Her  books  around  were  set; 
Her  bushy  locks  her  shoulders  graced, 

Her  locks  of  glossy  jet. 
And  eager  eyes  ran  o'er  the  page, 

The  pearls  of  truth  to  find  ; 
And  gems  of  science,  one  by  one, 

"Were  stored  within  her  mind  ; 
And  when  she  left  the  student's  room 

To  seek  her  home,  they  said, 
That  Mary  well  deserved  the  wreath 

They  placed  npon  her  head. 

I  saw  her  in  her  mountain  home, 

"With  sisters,  brothers,  met. 
From  room  to  room  her  busy  hands, 

To  useful  works  were  set. 
The  garden  hailed  her  coming  steps ; 

The  flowers  her  presence  greet ; 
And  every  fragrant  plant  shed  forth 

Its  purest,  choicest  sweet. 


374  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  hall  was  vocal  with  her  song ; 

Her  music  filled  the  grove ; 
And  sisters,  brothers,  parents,  all 

With  Mary  were  in  love. 

I  saw  her  in  the  house  of  God, 

And  in  the  place  of  prayer. 
I  saw  her  in  the  chamber  sit, 

And  soothe  the  sick  one's  care. 
Where  tender  words  could  give  relief, 

And  gentle  hands  could  aid, 
I  saw  the  friend  and  comforter — 

The  pure,  enchanting  maid. 
Oh  blame  me  not  that  Mary's  charms 

Should  all  my  passions  move: 
And  Mary  has  my  plighted  faith, 

My  never  dying  love. 


FIFTY  YEAES  AGO. 

Around  the  house  the  wintery  storm 

Is  raging  wild  and  cold ; 
But  warm  's  the  room  where  children  rest, 

Like  lambs  within  the  fold. 
The  scenes  of  long  past  days  come  back, 

And  fill  the  father's  breast ; 
While  in  the  storm  they  all  enjoy 

Their  home  so  greatly  blessed. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  375 

Come,  children,  gather  round  my  knee, 

And  I  will  make  you  know, 
All  how  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

The  house  was  made  with  logs  unhewed; 

The  rooms  were  few  and  spare ; 
But  industry  and  calm  content, 

From  day  to  day  were  there. 
The  father  toiled  from  morn  till  night ; 

The  sons  were  by  his  side ; 
The  daughters  did  the  household  work; 

The  wheel  the  mother  plied. 
The  little  boys  were  taught  to  read  ; 

The  little  girls  to  sew ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

The  maple  trees  pour  forth  their  sap 

"When  opening  spring  appears. 
The  rude  built  hut  within  the  woods 

The  prudent  father  rears. 
The  neighboring  youngsters  gather  there, 

The  evening  hours  to  spend  ; 
Some  sing,  make  love,  and  stories  tell, 

And  some  the  boiling  tend. 
The  sweet  cup  passes  round  the  ring, 

TThile  hearts  are  all  aglow  : 


376  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

And  thus  my  father's  family 
Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

Th'  invited  women  come  in  June, 

In  cheerful  social  bands, 
And  turn  the  well- washed  fleece  to  rolls, 

Fast-dropping  from  their  hands. 
And  then  the  mother,  day  by  day, 

Sits  in  her  little  room, 
And  webs,  from  wool  and  flax  prepares, 

By  shuttle  and  by  loom. 
The  watering  pot,  and  summer  sun, 

Make  sheets  as  white  as  snow ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

The  summer  months  call  all  abroad, 

To  work  with  might  and  main ; 
The  mowers  swing  the  keen-edged  scythes ; 

The  reapers  cut  the  grain. 
The  daughters  mingle  in  the  strife  ; 

The  mother  leaves  the  wheel, 
And  meets  the  workmen  at  the  spring, 

And  gives  the  evening' meal. 
They  eat,  and  drink,  and  gain  new  strength, 

As  sun  is  getting  low  ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  377 

The  orchard  yields  its  golden  fruit, 

When  autumn's  frosts  appear ; 
The  cider  press  pours  forth  its  stream, 

The  winter  months  to  cheer ; 
And  when  long  evening  nights  have  come, 

And  moon  has  filled  her  horn, 
The  neighboring  men  and  maidens  come 

And  husk  the  gathered  corn. 
The  frolic  hours  are  closed  with  feast, 

And  hearts  with  mirth  o'erflow ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

The  sheaves  are  threshed  when  days  are  cold. 

The  wood  is  gathered  home. 
The  shelves  are  stored  with  wholesome  food ; 

With  meats  and  honey  comb. 
There  's  warmth  within,  and  cold  without, 

When  winter  months  bear  rule ; 
And  bravely  now  the  children  go 

To  day  and  evening  school. 
And  merrily  chime  the  horses'  bells, 

As  sleighs  glide  o'er  the  snow ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 

The  hallowed  Sabbath  morning  brings 
To  all  its  holy  calm  ; 


378  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  father  reads  the  sacred  Book — 

Sings  line  by  line  the  psalm. 
Then  neatly  dressed  they  seek  the  church  ; 

Their  offerings  reach  the  skies  ; 
At  close  of  day,  the  children  say 

The  Shorter  Catechize. 
Then  piously  they  all  retire 

With  measured  steps  and  slow ; 
And  thus  my  father's  family 

Lived  fifty  years  ago. 


A  PATKIOTIC  ODE. 

["Written  during  the  Great  Rebellion,  in  the  year  1862.] 

I  love  thee,  oh  my  native  land  ! 

Land  of  our  fathers'  choice. 
They  came  a  noble,  virtuous  band, 

And  made  the  wilderness  rejoice. 
For  God,  and  conscience  sake, 
They  broke  the  long-endured  oppressors'  yoke, 
And  toiling,  dying,  left  to  me 
This  heritage  of  Liberty  ! 

I  love  thee,  oh  my  native  land  ! 

Land  of  our  fathers'  love. 
The  laws  they  framed  shall  make  thee  stand 

The  semblance  of  the  world  above. 
The  fields  the:r  valor  won  inspire 
My  spirit  with  their  patriot  fire, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  379 

To  guard  the  realm  they  gave  to  me — 
This  beauteous  laud  of  Liberty  ! 

I  love  thee,  oh  my  uative  land ! 

Land  of  the  exiles'  home. 
Thy  public  virtues,  hand  in  hand, 

O'er  all  thy  smiling  landscapes  roam ; 
And  scatter  blessings  in  their  train, 
From  eastern  shore  to  western  main ; 
And  all  thy  sons  and  daughters  free, 
Extol  thee,  land  of  Liberty  ! 

I  love  thee,  oh  my  native  land ! 

Thy  starry  flag,  unfurled 
O'er  all  the  states,  shall  make  thee  stand 

The  cheering  hope  of  all  the  world. 
Nations  shall  catch  the  lights  that  shine 
From  all  thy  gems,  and  every  clime, 
In  future  years,  shall  bend  the  knee, 
And  hail  thee,  land  of  Liberty  ! 

I  love  thee,  oh  my  native  land  !  w 

Land  of  the  Sabbath  days. 
Thy  altars,  worship,  schools,  command 

My  warmest  love — my  purest  praise. 
By  all  the  good  that  God  has  given, 
To  lead  our  spirits  near  to  heaven ; 
Join,  Xorth  and  South ;  oh !  join  with  me, 
And  love  our  land  of  Libertv! 


380  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

THE  WORKMEN'S  SONG  OF  SLEEP. 

He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep. — Ps.  127:  2 

My  day  of  toil  is  hard  and  long ; 
The  sweat  is  on  my  brow ; 

All  day  I  've  walked  my  furrowed  land, 
And  drove  and  held  the  plough. 

I  've  sowed  the  field,  and  reaped  the  grain, 
And  threshed  the  gathered  corn  ; 

My  heart  and  hands  have  had  no  rest, 
Since  called  to  work  at  morn. 

But  1  rejoice,  as  shades  of  night 
O'er  weary  mortals  creep  ; 

But  better  far  the  boon  of  God- 
He  gives  the  farmer  sleep. 

My  day  of  toil  is  hard  and  long  ; 

My  mind  is  crushed  with  cares ; 
My  ships  are  on  the  stormy  seas 

With  all  their  precious  wares. 
"My  stores  and  clerks,  my  bills  and  debts, 

My  losses  and  my  gains ; 
My  talking  friends,  and  faithless  friends, 

Have  wrecked  my  tortured  brains. 
But  I  rejoice,  as  shades  of  night 

O'er  weary  mortals  creep  ; 
But  better  far  the  boon  of  God — 

He  gives  the  merchant  sleep. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  381 

The  day  of  toil  is  hard  and  long  ; 

The  working  limbs  are  sore ; 
The  driven  plane,  the  delving  spade, 

The  wheel  and  busy  oar  ; 
The  hammer  ringing  on  the  steel, 

The  mallet  on  the  block ; 
The  shears  and  needle,  thread  and  last, 

And  drill  upon  the  rock. 
All,  all  rejoice,  as  shades  of  night 

O'er  weary  mortals  creep  ; 
But  better  far  the  boon  of  God — 

He  gives  the  wokkjien  sleep. 

But  other  men  have  found  the  day 

Of  toil  was  long  and  hard  ; 
The  watchman  on  his  nightly  round, 

The  soldier  on  his  guard, 
The  teacher,  counselor,  and  judge, 

The  writer  with  his  pen, 
And  more  than  all  the  president, 

Among  divided  men, 
Rejoice  to  see  the  shades  of  night 

O'er  weary  mortals  creep ; 
But  better  far  the  boon  of  God — 

He  gives  the  kulek  sleep. 


382  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

My  day  of  toil  is  hard  and  long ; 

My  eyes  are  filled  with  tears ; 
I  long  have  trod  a  thorny  road, 

'Mid  hopes,  and  doubts,  and  fears. 
The  beamings  of  my  Father's  face 

Have  seldom  on  me  shone ; 
And  one  by  one  my  friends  have  failed, 

And  now  I  weep  alone. 
But  I  rejoice,  as  shades  of  night 

O'er  weary  pilgrims  creep; 
But  better  far  the  boon  of  God — 

He  gives  the  mourners  sleep. 

Ye  pious,  noble,  working  men, 

Toil  on  till  coming  even ; 
Beyond  the  shades  that  shroud  the  world 

There  lies  a  peaceful  heaven. 
By  grace  refined,  in  virtue  strong, 

Behold  the  setting  sun, 
Which  speaks  of  rest,  of  sweet  repose, 

When  all  your  work  is  done. 
Then  hail  with  joy  the  closing  day, 

When  man  no  more  shall  weep  ; 
And  bless  the  precious  word  of  God — 

"  He  gives  His  people  sleep." 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  383 


HARP  OF  ZION. 


Harp  of  Zion  !  1,  thy  trembling  wires, 

With  youthful  hand,  have  softly  swept. 
The  touch  awoke  poetic  fires, 

"Which  in  my  breast,  unknown,  had  slept. 
'T  was  self-rewarding  toil.     "When  young 
Thy  chords  my  fingers  often  strung. 
I  found  the  strains  my  heart  control, 
And  pour  delight  through  all  my  soul. 

I  loved  in  riper  years  to  blend 

"With  life's  hard  toils  the  sacred  lays. 
The  Harp  of  Zion  was  my  friend, 

In  weary  nights,  and  toilsome  days ; 
And  oft  did  new  emotions  rise, 
To  cheer,  to  rouse,  and  tranquilize ; 
As  words  of  love,  and  thoughts  of  fire, 
Flowed  from  the  soul's  exciting  lyre. 

In  age  my  feeble  hand  still  strung 

The  sacred  Harp,  whose  cheerful  strain 

Recalled  the  joys  I  knew  when  young, 
And  made  me  live  my  youth  again. 

Through  all  my  life  the  Harp  has  proved 

My  constant  friend — my  best  beloved, 


384  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

And  ever  taught  my  soul  to  rise, 
And  hold  communion  with  the  skies. 

Farewell  my  Harp  !   my  hand  no  more 

Can  tune  thy  chords :  a  few  short  hours 
I  place  thee  near  the  heavenly  door, 

Again  to  take  with  new  born  powers. 
And  then  the  lyre  my  fingers  strung 
In  Zion's  courts,  and  often  rung 
With  Jesus'  name,  shall  sound  abroad 
Adoring  praises  to  the  Lord ! 


Ww 


